Sunday, April 19, 2009

52 Blessings—Zeal

Zeal. Enthusiasm. Eagerness. Fervor. Zest. Like salt, it adds so much flavor to my life. Lucy recently wrote a post on a similar topic and it made me think. And then, I observed this and thought some more . . .

Ande is incredibly creative. I’ve loved watching her develop this talent since she was little (heaven help us in those early years when she expressed it in what she chose to wear for the day . . . they were such funny combinations and mortified Cali and yes, hang-my-head-in-shame, me). But with her creative growth, Ande has learned to admire, study and appreciate the artistic pursuits of others.

She got home early, early Saturday morning:


and sat right down and began teaching Calvin and me things she’s learned about art, architecture and performances they will soon see in Europe.


Photobucket


Her zest and insights made the learning not only enjoyable, but much more permanent for me.

As with good art, you will see other symbols of enthusiasm in the picture: the fact that Calvin still has his eyes open at twenty-to-two and the flowers and cookies—gifts left on the doorstep by a friend who knew she was coming home for the weekend. As I sat and watched her teach with great zeal about the ideas expressed in one painting, I thought of what a blessing enthusiasm and excitement is because they push people to greater heights.

A healthy, honorable zeal—either my own or someone else’s—really is like salt; it enhances. (But it's also like pepper because a little goes such a long ways.)

12 comments:

Korbi said...

will she marry my brother? He's 23 and just getting his thesis done in architecture for his masters. Graduates in May. Cute kid, PLEASE???? :) and he won some contest and they are going to build a building he designed AND he spent 3 months in Italy taking a drawing/architecture class..... Can you tell that I kind of like him?

Deidra said...

It seems you have quite the Burley following! We must know a good thing when we see it.

melanie said...

I love the sleepy eyed interest Calvin is showing to Ande. You better get ready, you'll have a lot to learn when she returns from Europe!

Kathy’s Korner said...

Jane, how well written.

jenny said...

What a fun experience and adventure she will have!

Julie said...

I wish she could take a small detour to Norway! We would love to see her and I'll bet we can find some art for her to look at here!

Ande said...

Korbi-

Yes!

Mom- Thank you for being so interested in what I have to say. I love you. Thanks for the opportunities you have created.

Barb said...

Korbi's brother sure sounds good on paper!
I think zeal is a trait worth developing in yourself and seeking in friends.

Unknown said...

Jane - great post.

Ande - I love your zeal!

PS - go for Korbi's brother . . .

Amy said...

I loved the post....but then the matchmaking in the comments was likewise entertaining!

Lucy said...

Excellent example of how zeal can bring out the best in people in life. You see how tempting it is for me to covet what other people zests. But, I've also thought a lot since I wrote that post and have come to the conclusion that I do have passion, zeal, enthusiasm too. It's just less focused. Thanks for making me think on the topic more. Ande is a definite catch and how fun to see things through her eyes.

Kim Sue said...

:o) great photo capturing a great moment