Beginnings

January 5, 2024

Sometimes, we begin things but never finish them. For example, we may take up golf, volunteer for charity, study the classics, or paint, but after a few months, we lose interest. Something about the activity attracted us, yet once immersed in it, the new wore off, and we discontinued. An old friend said, "Like a piece of gum, I chewed the sweet out of it."

Typically, new beginnings elicit a lot of excitement. The honeymoon phase fascinates us with all the possibilities of what the activity will do for us. But in time, negative facets emerge that kill our enthusiasm. We realize that we do not desire the activity enough to continue.

However, some activities and interests never lose their sweetness. The initial enthusiasm never wanes. Perpetual enthusiasm is the essential component. The word "enthusiasm" comes from the Greek word "entheos," meaning God within. Therefore, the things we are genuinely enthusiastic about are of our inner divine nature.

The inner divine is always expressed through us in one way or another. For example, we may love tennis because, seemingly, like no other activity, it creates harmony between our mind, body, and heart. Every time we play tennis, we feel re-created. But if, for some reason, we can no longer play tennis, the soul finds another activity that creates the same balance to our inner harmony. If we trace the history of what we love to do, it has, in its origin, our divine nature, and we have perpetual enthusiasm for that activity.

Inquiry: Briefly review the activities you never tire of. Do you see the connection between these activities and your soul's connection to the God within?

Dear God,

I see now why I never lost my enthusiasm for travel. The adventure of learning more about this world pulls me closer to my origins, my fellow humans, and you. I know you will always find a way for me to feel those feelings, even when I can no longer travel. You gave us a way to always express our soul. For this, I am truly thankful. Amen

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