Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.
– Ralph Waldo Emerson
The E in ALIVE stands for enthusiasm in all that we say or do every day. That isn’t easy. Just think for a moment about all that is expected of us or that we expect of ourselves every day in our church life. Some tasks are mundane and tedious while others are fun and uplifting. The enthusiasm which we exhibit as we go about our work can well predict the success of the outcome.
I am in the midst, right now, of helping to plan and participate in a skit at church for the beginning of our stewardship campaign. I always think of stewardship as “asking for money” from our church members which is a topic that I think not many pastors or laity feel comfortable talking about. I started this project by contacting Tom, a member of our congregation who is a gifted writer. We talked for nearly two hours about possible ideas for the skit. The very next day Tom had prepared a script and two days later we had a “dry run” with the cast. Tom’s enthusiasm about the skit rubbed off on all of us and we became excited about our upcoming performance. To be that enthusiastic about stewardship is so exhilarating.
There is a time for everything, and a season for
every activity under the heavens…a time to weep
and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to
dance. (Ecclesiastes 3:1,4)
Denis Waitley, author of books about the psychology of winning, says “Enthusiasm is contagious. It’s difficult to remain neutral or indifferent in the presence of a positive thinker.” Tom’s enthusiasm about our skit is a clear example of how enthusiasm can spread to an entire team working on a project. So, use enthusiasm to generate laughter and dedication of yourself and others as we go about doing the Lord’s work.
Church bulletin blooper: The pastor will light his candle from the altar candles. The ushers will light their candle from the pastor’s candle. The ushers will turn and light each worshiper in the first pew.
Peace,
John Kelso
If you would like to view past editions of Lessons from Our Lay Leader (John Kelso), follow this link: https://harbordistrictnc.org/category/from-the-lay-leader/