Enthusiasm

If any of you know me, you’d concur with any of the colorful phrases my wife uses to describe my overall personality….”bump on a log”, “stick in the mud”, etc. etc. I may have a touch of eloquence in my writing, but when it comes to verbal interactions…well, that’s a bit wanting. But, hey…this commentary isn’t about me. I only preface this to set up a situation that recently struck a chord in me. The other morning at work, as people were arriving and saying “Good morning!” I responded with my usual “mornin…” with my typical low key, mumbling tone. My faithful assistant—who is at the desk next to mine—declared “Say it with a little more enthusiasm!”

Ok…now the real commentary (finally). I already knew the etymology of the word “enthusiasm”, however, I thought I’d share it since many of you may not realize how the word was derived. It comes from the Greek word enthousiasmos to be inspired. This was derived from en- + theos God. When we have enthusiasm we are literally saying we have inspiration from God.

Clearly this is a unique testament to how people—even through the evolution of language—view the relationship we can have with God. If you have a relationship with God, you should be filled with inspiration. He created, He suffered, He forgave, He forgives, He blesses, He inspires.

How in the world am I going to sit at my desk mumbling “mornin…” with a sourpuss face now? The reality is…I shouldn’t be able to. I am saved by an amazing grace that I don’t deserve (but I’ll gladly take it) and have the love of God in my heart. Perhaps my humanness and habits may preempt my proper response…but I plan on living up to the word “enthusiasm” with a revitalized and improved effort to communicate en+theos.

Blessings! (said, of course, with a happy, smiling face)

Greg Morton
© December 7, 2009