The story is told that when John Wesley (then a member of the Church of England) approached Bishop Butler of Bristol to recount Wesley’s conversion, the Bishop responded, “Enthusiasm, sir, is a horrid thing; a very horrid thing indeed”.
Now remember that the Bishop was an Anglican and that Episcopalians (the American expression of Anglicanism) still relish the epithet “God’s Frozen Chosen”. And remember that Butler became an icon of a highly intellectualized, even rarefied, theology, “wafted in a cloud of metaphysics,” as Horace Walpole said.
But still, oh my, oh Bishop – could there not have been a more conciliatory response to the vigor of John Wesley’s new found faith, a personal experience with God through Jesus Christ.
But anyway, I hope that you (dear reader) are not inclined to resemble the Bishop. It is enthusiasm that we need as we cherish our relationships. It is enthusiasm we need as we relinquish tasks and boldly assume new challenges. It is enthusiasm that we need as the mounting pile of wedding details threaten to overwhelm the vision and joy of marriage itself.
Bill Wilson (co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous) writes, “Half measures availed us nothing. We stood at the turning point. We asked His protection and care with complete abandon” AA pg.59
The AA Daily Reflections (1/7) states, “It is only when I ask God for help, with complete abandon, that I become willing—and able—to change.”
Enthusiasm = rejection of half measures = complete abandon.
Enthusiasm can be quenched by being hungry, angry, lonely or tired (the famous acronym HALT).
Enthusiasm best flourishes in partnership, in community. Forgive the age-old metaphor but the glowing ember loses its fire when detached from the fire.
Enthusiasm, remember, speaks of the divine (theos) being in (en) you, me, us. However