Passionate Enthusiasm

I read the Lexington Herald-Leader online and I really enjoy reading the comments the other readers make about stories. Reading the comments gives a window into the heart of central Kentuckians. Whether that is a clear window or not is debatable but what is not debatable is the passionate enthusiasm of the responders.

That has been especially true of the comments regarding every story published about the departure of UK men's basketball coach, Billy Clyde Gillispie and the hiring of his successor. My goodness what passionate enthusiasm.

When I came to Kentucky for the very first time in October, 1984 to interview with First Christian Church in Richmond I was told there were three words I needed to learn to live in Kentucky and when I learned them I would be OK. "Jesus is Lord" I wondered? Nope, "Go Big Blue."

Now, I love UK basketball. I love the passionate enthusiasm of its fans, the students at the University and the attention the program rightly gets from the national media. I wouldn't dare argue with scheduling church things around UK games. I learned that in Texas when we had to rearrange programming for Dallas Cowboy games.

I just wonder why so much passionate enthusiasm is heaped upon UK men's basketball and withheld from other areas where passionate enthusiasm might turn things around. Can we offer some passionate enthusiasm to the Easter Sunrise Service, to the 10:45 service? Could we bring some passionate enthusiasm to bear on our hymn singing? What about committee work or Board meetings? What difference could passionate enthusiasm make to the Disciples for Habitat or the Good Friday Food Pantry?

Can I get an "amen?"