By Marilyn Bazett-Jones

When I hike a vigorous trail to enjoy the view or get outside early enough to see the sunrise, I think God smiles. When I admire the intricate details of a web, laced with dew, and otherwise wonder at God's creation, I know He smiles. I smile, too, because I know the Creator is creating anew every day.

When I was a little girl, I knew what made my daddy smile -- and what little girl doesn’t love that attention? Sometimes the affirmation from my parents, or others, still feels so important. But the most important nod of approval I could ever receive is for God to say, “Well done!” ... I long to sense His pleasure.

In today’s reading, Rick Warren spells out five ways we can please God. I’ve taken his points and given them my own twist:

Loving Him supremely. It must have been difficult to be Noah, building a boat when everyone (even his family?) thought he was a little "off." Likewise, there are times some think I go a little overboard with my faith. It’s disconcerting, but ultimately I know whose approval really matters. When I love God more than my own comfort, reputation or popularity, I am putting Him first. To borrow a line from an earlier reading, “I owe Him every honor I can give,” and I really want to love Him that way.

Praising and thanking Him continually. Often, I thank and praise God for the extra gifts He gives (like the sunrise, a scenic view or a dewy web). Sometimes He really surprises me with a glimpse of wildlife, a spectacular sky or a heart swirled in the snow. My gratitude overflows because I know these things are special gifts from a good, good Father who loves me as a dear, dear daughter. He sees my delight and it makes Him smile. It becomes another intimate moment in our relationship.

Obeying Him wholeheartedly. Holding out in the hard things pleases Him, because God knows it is difficult to endure for long-term results when the alternative may seem so immediately satisfying. I might have to pass up dessert, do a dirty job, make the sacrifice, take the high road, say “no,” or get out and exercise. Knowing what to do is one thing, but doing it takes practice, practice, practice.

Trusting Him completely. “Trusting is an act of worship,” Warren says. Oh, yes! I know in my heart God wants good things for me – in fact, better things than I can ask for myself – and that helps me trust Him when times are hard, even when I don’t see results. I can imagine His pleasure, because I have kids and friends that (sometimes) trust my input through their trials.

Using our abilities. When we can humbly thank God for the way He made us – our gifts, flaws and all that makes us individual – and offer all of it back to Him to bring Him glory, honor and pleasure, it is the ultimate! We grow as followers, leaders and ambassadors for Christ.

And He smiles … a big, happy daddy smile!