Reflection
The word enthusiasm is derived from the roots en — in or within — and theos — God. It means having God within or being one with God. People with this gift carry a special kind of energy. They bring warmth and feeling to their relationships and vigor and freshness to their activities. Enthusiasm is invigorating. It helps you get up and go. It is a good prescription when you are feeling lethargic and listless, when your energy seems frozen. Enthusiasm counterbalances apathy and boredom, two common blocks to an engaged spiritual life. The happiest people you know may be those who are living enthusiastic lives. These people possess something special, the spark of God in everything they do.
Spirituality and Practice
Prayer
I will sing to the Lord as long as I live;
I will sing praise to my God while I have being.
Psalm 104
Action
Try to remember th the Divine Presence in your life and rejoice in your many
gifts. Try to live aware of the beauty and meaning of living.
Suggested Reading
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.
Colossians 3:23
Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
2 Corinthians 9:7
The Church needs you, your enthusiasm, your creativity and the joy that is so characteristic of you.
Pope Francis
Exuberance is the experience of things as ever new, and ever renewed in God’s ever-beginning Creation. The world is always amazing and fresh to the religious heart, the heart of the fool certainly, which knows that every day is the first day of Creation.
Theology of Wonder
It is important to energize our everyday practice and daily good works with enthusiasm, without anyone else telling us to, but doing it for our own sake.
The Dalai Lama
Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Enthusiasm is the yeast that makes your hopes shine to the stars. Enthusiasm is the sparkle in your eyes, the swing in your gait. The grip of your hand, the irresistible surge of will and energy to execute your ideas.
Henry Ford
A mediocre idea that generates enthusiasm will go further than a great idea that inspires no one.
Mary Kay Ash
Enthusiasm is a supernatural serenity.
Henry David Thoreau
Protect your enthusiasm from the negativity of others.
H. Jackson Brown, Jr.
Saints have no moderation, nor do poets, just exuberance.
Anne Sexton.
A life full of hope and contributions through one’s own talent is a life well lived.
Kimberly Day