Z - Love Does Zest

The dictionary defines zest as “great energy or enthusiasm.” Whether at home or in the classroom, one of our greatest objectives is for our children to know without a doubt that they are loved. The thesaurus lists synonyms for zest as enthusiasm, eagerness, gusto, and energy. When we love our children zestfully, we love them with enthusiasm, eagerness, gusto, and energy. This comes naturally for some, but it feels uncomfortable for others. And either way, sometimes we find ourselves in the situation of not loving our kids' actions and choices which significantly dampens they enthusiasm we can muster. 


Nevertheless, when we make an effort to love with zest, our children will reap the many benefits of knowing they are deeply loved. No, it's not always easy. But we can use the lessons that we have learned from this series; we can manage our own Big feelings, look for Humor in all situations, recognize that Mistakes will be made, see our children for who they are Right now, remember that love takes Work, and choose to set an eXample of Grace and love.


Let us be the people in our kids’ lives who don’t hold back, the place they turn to know they are loved unconditionally. Let us be the ones who love them without reservation. We'll be the ones that cheer for them, compliment them, inspire them, and encourage them when they are on the right path. Let us be the people who love them “loudly, enthusiastically, and boldly because love is not supposed to be kept hidden” (Love Enthusiastically).



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