Don’t you like to be around enthusiastic people?  My teaching career of teaching little children brought me 25 little cherubs filled with enthusiasm every day for 31 years. They greeted me with hugs saying, “What are we going to learn today?” They passed their zest for life on to me and I am forever grateful. From a new puppy to a “cat’s eye” marble, they came wrapped in excitement, enthusiasm and unconditional love. Excited about life, their world continually filled up with simple every day events. Just an added five minutes to story time brought squeals of delight. A new student brought hugs with welcoming hands and loving hearts. Children are gifts to be treasured.  We can learn a lot from children. Their incredible faith and humility stands out as a beacon for us to follow. “…Anyone who humbles himself as this little child, is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.” (Matthew 18:4). Try waking up with the children’s attitude, “What are we going to learn today? What opportunities will I have today to share the good things in life? Whom will I meet to encourage? How can I be helpful?” I am thinking of someone who did this very thing for us. Our car had many problems. It wouldn’t start. The lights would go on and off. It made strange noises. The computer system seemed to be all messed up. We put in a new battery, to no avail. Finally my husband called a man with a tow truck to haul it to a garage. We thought of the financial costs and whether or not it could be repaired. I simply prayed, “Lord, I pray our car can be fixed and not be a financial burden.” The man came with his tow truck. “Let’s have a look at it first. It might not be as bad as you think.” He opened the hood. “Here is the problem,” he said enthusiastically. “The cable isn’t touching the battery.” The car started up immediately.  Emmitt tried to pay him. “Oh no, he said with gusto, “I’m just glad I could help you.” I call enthusiastic people “world changers.” Why? This kind sees the bright side of life. They expect the good and look for it in every situation.  They get excited about living. Even in hard times, world changers keep their positive outlook. They believe. They take courage in who they are and visualize what they can become. They know they are important and have value. I don’t mean in a conceited way, but because they are “made in the image of God.”  (1 Corinthians 11:7) Enthusiastic people see life as a gift and they share their gift of joy with others. They see and appreciate things that are otherwise unnoticed. They get excited about sunsets, flowers that bloom, clean air to breathe, fleecy clouds and rainbows, a horse running in the wind, or a dove’s cooing. Enthusiastic people make life “delicious.” As for me, I like to see how many people will smile back at me, have a surprise phone call from a caring friend, feel love for the joy of living, my husband’s whisper “I love you,” having a former student recognize me, excitement for the opportunity of writing this column, or hearing the “Thank you for the hug” from my 92 years young uncle in the rest home. There are so many things to be enjoying in this earthly journey. Money may not be a lot, but blessings cannot be bought. For a blessed life, think big with faith and courage. You will enter a new life of hope. Your faith and belief in God are the greatest things you can ever have and that is something to be enthusiastic about!