Weekly Thought – June 27, 2023
Fred thought a great deal about maturity and health. He believed a key element was self-control and emotional discipline. In true Fred-style he recorded his thoughts into his faithful “Dictaphone” ready for assistant Margie’s faithful transcription.
The Helpful Emotion of Excitement
There is very little wrong with me that excitement won’t cure. It is one of my most necessary emotions. Without it life is flat and boring. I become negative, lethargic, and difficult to live with. Excitement gives me energy and urgency. With it I have purpose and emphasis. Therefore, I am careful to keep exciting things happening in all areas of my life. Often I ask others what they are excited about. Sometimes they are dead quiet – and seem to be happy with that answer. But my battery gets weak without excitement.
Fortunately, I find many, many things to create this energy. For example, learning new things, meeting new people with common interests, developing other people, starting new projects while avoiding the administration of them, wrestling with strange ideas, exploring theories which I question, thinking up techniques that spring from common principles, analyzing problems and writing out the individual segments. You have your own list- I just wanted to give you examples of what generates energy and excitement for me.
You may note I said I take responsibility for my own excitement. Too often I hear people complain about boredom whether it is in marriage, school, or career. To me that says the person isn’t willing to work to create excitement… they depend on circumstances or their associates. That is too random and haphazard for me. Just as I must plan and work to provide necessary money so I must plan the necessary emotional stimulation for healthy living. The right amount of excitement seldom comes at th right time without proper planning.
Productive excitement isn’t that of a competitive ball game with all the whooping and hollering. It is the constant surge of energy which makes us want to keep going. It is focusing on the factors which move me (and you) in the direction of maturity. Excitement can be spontaneous, but it is also best understood as intentional.
This week think carefully about: 1) How purposeful am I about maintaining healthy excitement? 2) What is on my “creates emotional energy” list? 3) How do I demonstrate choosing vitality?
Words of Wisdom: “You may note I said I take responsibility for my own excitement.”
Wisdom from the Word: “Whatever you are doing, work at it with enthusiasm, as to the Lord and not for people. (Colossians 3:23 NET Bible)