The ABC's of Character Building: E is for Enthusiastic

And whatsoever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father by him. – Colossians 3:17
When mothers dream about instilling character qualities in their children, enthusiasm is probably not top on their list. But pay attention to this one, as it's your antidote to the dreaded words, “I’m bored!” It can also be your child’s key to discovering his or her deepest loves and unique talents.

My own parents were great at cultivating enthusiasm. Mom describes it quite simply: “We just watched what you kids were interested in. As soon as one of you showed the least bit of interest in anything, we gave you books, we took you to activities, and we did whatever we could to fuel that interest.”
With this approach, my siblings and I sampled varied subjects at a young age. Because we selected activities that naturally suited us, we had a strong innate interest in these pursuits, stayed engaged and devoted more energy to mastering them. It’s no coincidence that we each went on to achieve excellence in careers related to these key childhood interests. Research has tied people’s high performance in a given field to favorite childhood hobbies or pastimes.

So how does this translate into godly character development for our kids? As we encourage children to pursue their enthusiasms, we put into motion the truth found in Ephesians 2:10: “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Singer John Fischer expressed it this way

“To each of us is given a purpose for living,
To play our own part in His plan from the start.
Each to show His beauty, and His creativity,
The part of His name no one else could proclaim.”

True fulfillment comes from using the gifts God has given us, for His glory.
Giving our children opportunities to explore what fascinates and motivates them, helps them discover their unique gifts. Are you ready for this rewarding task, Moms? You can get started today! Here are some more “E” words to help you develop your children’s capacity for Enthusiasm.

1. EXPOSE your kids to a little bit of everything. Continually add some random input into their lives. It doesn’t have to be elaborate or expensive. Take neighborhood field trips, try free park programs, or stage special activities at home. Even watching TV together can lead to “Aha!” moments. Just remember to be fully present whenever you do things with your children. Catch them being intrigued!
2. ENLIST friends and relatives. Fred Rogers (a.k.a. Mister Rogers) used to challenge adults to think back and remember someone who had made a great difference in their lives as a child. Very often, that person was a kindly uncle or neighbor who taught them a hobby, such as fishing or cooking. Who do you know who might play the same role in your child’s life?
3. EQUIP your children’s fired-up imaginations. Once you notice that their interest is sparked, supply a library book or start a beginner-level project to keep it going. Attend a local event or a museum exhibit. If interest continues to grow, watch and listen for clues about which steps to take next.
4. ENGAGE in organized activity. When it becomes apparent that your child is drawn to a subject, find a group or class that fits his or her age and skill level. Whether it’s soccer or Scrabble, boating or bird-watching, there are probably some opportunities nearby.
5. EMBRACE a bit of chaos! If your child’s thing is music, there will be noise. If it’s sports, there will be sweaty uniforms. If it’s building models, there will be Lego blocks clogging your vacuum hose even after he’s enrolled in architecture school. (I can attest to this personally!) So keep your expectations realistic, tolerate some extra housekeeping, and try to remember this solemn truth: the irritating messes will one day be iridescent memories. (Again, some firsthand testimony here.)
6. ENCOURAGE whole-heartedly your children’s forays into self-discovery – that‘s what this whole “enthusiasm” thing is about. Always be a cheerleader. Sarcastic or critical comments can easily quench an adventuresome spirit. Our words and our reactions carry immense impact and power. Let’s keep tender hearts towards the tender hearts in our care. Let’s believe in our children’s innate abilities, placed there by God Himself, and be thoughtful stewards of their development. We can do this most effectively when we ourselves are in constant communion with the Encourager of our own lives.
   

Enthusiasm is the toy box of Hope. We have the privilege of helping our small children discover their most treasured activities and connect them to their unique inner talents. These connections will become the building blocks for a positive outlook all through life. Let’s keep our own enthusiasm for motherhood high, through an authentic daily walk with Christ. Then He will show each of us personally how we can draw out our children’s enthusiasms and prepare them for a life of fulfillment.