For the last several years I have selected a Word combined with Scripture to serve as a focal point for my year.

Often. New. Sacrifice. Just a few of my previous selections.

2020 was unique because of COVID of course and adding on the addition of a child and you could say I had an eventful year.

Moving to this new year, as we settle into a groove into a new home with a new job I found myself thinking about what it means to be a good husband, father, leader, friend, etc. What does that look like on a day to day basis?

I have always been struck by the following passage about Jesus when after he heals a deaf man it says

“And they were astonished beyond measure, saying, ‘He has done all things well. He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak’.”

He has done ALL things well. Obviously I am not perfect or capable of healing like Jesus did but I think it is a worthwhile goal to try and do ALL things well. Which of course begs the question of HOW do you do ALL things well? I would never advocate for this because I would prefer to do the most important things very well. I do not view this as a matter of performance, but more about effort and the spirit in which I approach things. This concept to me is captured in the word Excellence.

So we have Word #1, but back to the question of HOW do we do all things well. Enter, Word #2.
Another verse that hit me recently and something I am more mindful of every day is here:

“Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically, as something done for the Lord and not for men, knowing that you will receive the reward of an inheritance from the Lord.”

Have you ever met someone who has so much energy about something you would otherwise consider mundane? Probably so. I have spoken to people about countless topics under the sun and it is always amazing to me what gets a quiet person energized.

People probably think that about me when it comes to golf or my Florida Gators. What is this energy called? Enthusiasm. You love enthusiastic people. I love being around enthusiastic people. So I decided I want to be an enthusiastic person. For me this answers the question of HOW I can do all things well, by doing everything with enthusiasm.

Other translations of that passage say “Whole heartedly” or “from the soul”. Wow. Don’t you want to be known as someone who does things with their whole heart and soul? I know I do.

In closing, I challenge you to find something to focus on in 2021. Could be a word. An idea. A habit. Do it well and do it with enthusiasm. Don’t waste your time. It’s much too valuable.