Enthusiasm That Moves Us

When was the last time you climbed a tree? For many of us, it has probably been years. Yet recently I've found myself climbing a few. 

What began as a casual interest during Melbourne's COVID lockdowns quickly grew into a passion for disc golf. Over the past six years, I've collected more than 100 discs, followed the professional tour, and spent countless hours playing and practising. Whenever the weekend arrives, I usually look for an opportunity to get out on the course. 

When we're enthusiastic about something, we naturally want to share it with others. Nobody has to convince me to talk about disc golf, invite someone to play, or even climb a tree to retrieve a favourite disc. We gladly go out of our way for the things we value. 

That willingness to go out of our way reminds me of another tree-climber in Luke 19. Zacchaeus was so eager to see Jesus that he ran ahead of the crowd and climbed a sycamore tree for the chance to catch a glimpse. But what began as curiosity quickly became something much deeper. Jesus stopped, called Zacchaeus by name, and spent time with him. By the end of the story, Zacchaeus wasn't simply a man who had seen Jesus. He was changed, eager to live differently and share the impact Jesus had made on his life. 

In many ways, that reflects the original meaning of the word enthusiasm. The word comes from a Greek expression meaning "filled with God." While we often use enthusiasm to describe excitement or passion, its original meaning points to a life shaped by God's presence and purpose. 

At Avondale School, that is our prayer for every student. We want them to do more than learn about Jesus. We want them to encounter Him personally, because when people experience God's love, enthusiasm naturally follows. When our lives are filled with God, we can't help but share His love with others. 

"Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well." 1 Thessalonians 2:8

Like Zacchaeus, who climbed a tree because he wanted to see Jesus, may we look for opportunities to enthusiastically share God's love through our words, actions, and relationships, so that others might catch a glimpse of Him too.

Mr Darren Martin
Assistant Head of Secondary: Student Welfare