Do things with passion or not at all.

As life grows hectic, it's difficult to maintain enthusiasm. Sounds weird, huh? We get in ruts, habits, slumps, and routines that it's so easy to lose passion for things that become so mundane. Let me explain myself.

I recently read a quote by the author Roald Dahl.

"I began to realize how important it was to be an enthusiast in life. If you are interested in something, no matter what it is, go at it full speed ahead. Embrace it with both arms, hug it, love it and above all become passionate about it. Lukewarm is no good. Hot is no good, either. White hot and passionate is the only thing to be." - Roald Dahl

I began thinking about passion and what it means, what it looks like. I love passionate people. I, like most people, unknowingly gravitate towards people who are passionate about what they believe in, what they do, or how they live their lives. But I wonder what characterizes a passionate person other than just "having a passion for..." or "being passionate?" And why do we gravitate towards them? Is it their confidence? Our curiosity? Maybe even some kind of jealousy?

The definition of passionate means, "having, showing, or expressing strong emotions or beliefs" and synonyms for 'passionate' include: intense, impassioned, ardent, fervent, vehement, heated, emotional, heartfelt, eager, excited, animated, adrenalized, spirited, energetic, fervid, frenzied, fiery, wild, consuming, even violent.

The same goes for our faith. Francis Chan has an awesome sermon titled, "Lukewarm and Loving It." A difficult one to listen to, but convicting, no less.

I guess I'll spew the famous, life is too short to be less than enthusiastic about the life that you're living. Or maybe, a lack of passion is fatal. But are we so tired and busy and occupied that we become lukewarm about the fabulous lives we live? Do we not have time or energy for passion?  Are we really "Lukewarm and Loving" life, our faith, our daily and mundane blessings that are just that; blessings? Are we unamused, unimpressed and uninspired by this amazing life we live and the awesome God that provides for us?

Maybe that's my "new year's resolution," though I don't like to dub them that. Maybe I want to be more passionate.

I want to be an enthusiast in life. 

Because anything else would just be boring.