Today I attend an all-day retirement celebration for my boss from the last 17 years. This party involves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and various panels of important people in our field of rhetoric and composition—all celebrating her prestigious career contribution. I note most of all in the invitation and in the schedule of events the theme of hope. She’s lived a life of hope. Hope for students. Hope for her instructors (me!). Hope for life. Her theme of hope made me think of what my own theme might be when I’m in my 70’s and ending my own teaching career. If someone were celebrating you all day long after a lifetime of work, what theme for your own life might you choose? If you look back over the whole story of you, what theme did God most weave into the chapters?
When I ask my heart this question, I keep thinking of the word “delight.” Ever since I began daily blogging back in March 2010, the theme of Live with Flair stayed true to finding delight each day of my life. I think we often forget that in the midst of pain and hardship, we serve a God who ultimately works to secure our highest pleasure, satisfaction, and joy. Delight!