Enthusiasm

 "Enthusiasm is a form of social courage." -Gretchen Rubin

I was in seventh or eighth grade when we did a writing exercise where we had a set amount of time to write on any topic we liked. I chose Nefertiti. Maybe you don’t know who that is. No one else in my class, including the teacher, did either. But I’d read an article about the beautiful Egyptian queen and I was intrigued and enthused, not only with the person, but with the work of art attached to her name. I wanted to share my discovery with everyone else.

Seeing the blank faces around me as my little writing was read aloud in front of the class, I immediately became embarrassed about my choice of topic. I discovered, in that moment, that perhaps it was better if I kept my niche interests out of sight. It took years before I became brave enough to share my random enthusiasms with others again.

That’s not the last time being enthused about something caused me embarrassment, and you’ve probably had a similar experience. Maybe you’ve just read a book and fallen in love with the story, but when you bring it up, someone has a negative comment about plot holes or character traits. Maybe you have a favorite song and the message speaks to you, but someone else groans and criticizes the way it’s written. Maybe people tease you about the way your eyes light up over your favorite coffee drink or store or recipe. They might have suggestions for something better or reasons why your choice isn’t top tier.

A few years ago, I listened to the book, The Happiness Project, by Gretchen Rubin. One sentence caught my attention and has given me food for thought on and off ever since. “Enthusiasm,” Rubin writes, “is a form of social courage.” She goes on to explain that skepticism is often viewed as being more intelligent than pure and humble enthusiasm. Thus, when we are enthused about something and someone else starts pointing out faults, we immediately assume we are not as smart as they are and start questioning our own taste. For many people this can lead to hiding their true opinions. It can also make them afraid to show enthusiasm until they know if those around them are enthused as well.

But the reality of life is that we all love people who are enthused. I have the greatest respect for my friends who get excited and spearhead amazing projects. I love the sparkle of a person who is enthused about the sunset or a tiny flower or the subtle taste of a delicate flavor. I don’t mean that one needs to be loud and flamboyant about what they like, just that they aren’t afraid to show they really enjoy something.

Since reading this quote, I’ve thought about how I can support my enthused friends. It can be hard to feel like you’re the only one excited about something. Perhaps they’re planning end-of-year games for the school’s play day or decorating for a bridal shower or trying to get a group around to play games some Saturday evening and it seems like others are willing to plod along, but no one else is sharing the joy. I’ve seen it happen, and I’ve been one of the plodding ones. I can’t manufacture enthusiasm to match what my friend has, so what should I do?

I’ve decided the place to start is by showing interest. If I want my friends to retain their sparkle, I need to let them know I see and value the energy they are exerting. I can find questions to ask and ways to volunteer. And suddenly, as I get involved, I start noticing little sparks of enthusiasm welling up in me, too.

This isn’t a new principle. We see it play out in any scenario. Dry Sunday School discussions and singing at nursing homes with the youth are a couple of common examples. Yet when someone is willing to be enthused, to let positivity lead instead of negativity and skepticism, the result is a more enjoyable experience for the whole group.

I started wondering how this would impact my Christian life. What if I let my passion for God and my enthusiasm about being in His service show a little more? What if I turned conversations toward what He has done for me instead of falling back on something a little less personal? It takes vulnerability to be enthused about something that rests so near our hearts, but imagine the pay-off: a vibrant, enthused, alive group of believers who encourage and support each other. A group who are not afraid to make sacrifices or start new outreaches. A group whose sparkle lights up the world.

We are to be a people who Rejoice evermore (1 Thessalonians 5:16). And whatsoever ye do, we are told, do it heartily, as to the Lord (Colossians 3:23). Then, in 2 Corinthians, we read: Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

These are not traits of people who are afraid to be enthused. If enthusiasm really is social courage, Christians will possess it. Sure, you won’t feel enthused every minute of every day, but it will be there in the joy you feel when you make a soul-connection in deep conversation. It will be in the wonder in your heart as you listen to the minister preach the message you prayed for. It will be in the peace you treasure as you start your day with God.

Enthusiasm, like love, will grow and expand and give. It takes being willing to be humble. It might take looking dumb when you ask a simple question in Sunday School. It may make you feel funny to compliment your spiritual sister on how you see God moving in her life.

I can’t make you be enthused. That’s impossible. You can breathe a sigh of relief, because I don’t plan to try.

Do you remember the song that says, “Enthusiasm! Come on let’s be enthused?” I have only taught one or two students who actually liked that song, and that was because one of them, at least, got vivid images of a beaver on a hamster-wheel world when we sang, “It’s the eager beavers that make the world go ‘round.” I think the general distaste is because you can’t force kids to be enthused just by telling them to be so. Neither can you force adults.

But I can commit to being enthused myself. I can commit to vulnerability and humility and not fearing what those around me might think. I can commit to fostering a passion in my Christian life. And I can commit to being courageous and enthused in Christ.

I’ve so much enjoyed contemplating enthusiasm for the last few years. You might say I’ve been enthused about it. Maybe you’ll have ideas to share with me, too, because I’m not sure I’m done thinking about it yet. Maybe you’ll tell me I’m wrong about something or that I’ve overlooked an important facet of the situation. Whatever the case, just know I’d be enthused to hear your thoughts.

Have a marvelous weekend!