MELIORISM

“The belief that we can contribute to positive change and improve the world through acts of love, creativity, compassion and kindness” is not something new if you are a believer. As we say goodbye to January in a few weeks, we look forward to February, longer daylight and Valentine’s Day; not to mention Random Acts of Kindness month.

Jesus and his disciples, Martin Luther King Jr. and even Mother Theresa believed in and demonstrated the word “meliorism” countless times. Have things changed in our world? Have we forgotten to be that positive change? Don’t we want to improve the world? Don’t we want to be the sunshine in someone’s dismal day? Let’s go back to the Golden Rule.

At a Nazi labour camp in the winter of 1943, an SS guard deliberately left a gate unlocked so that prisoners could have a seventeen minute window to escape into the Polish forest. Many lives were saved because of compassion.

During the 1800’s, a few artists such as Vincent can Gogh and Rembrandt, managed to create extraordinary works of art, even though they lived in extreme poverty. They have influenced the art world even to this day. Their creativity lives on.

A woman was having “one of those days!” She’d missed her ride, spilled a coffee and her phone died. As she stood in line at the grocery store, a total stranger caught her eye. He smiled - not awkwardly - just a sincere smile that made eye contact. There was no reason. It didn’t fix anything, but it softened her heart and she relaxed, smiling back. It’s a reminder that a simple, free smile can show kindness and change someone’s day.

Jacob’s story in the bible teaches that true love is patient and always willing to wait and sacrifice. He worked 14 years for his father-in-law to marry Rachel. In our world, we want quick results but Jacob’s dedication reminds us of God’s enduring love for us which is steadfast, patient and eternal.

Can we change the world? Yes, by one smile, appreciating art, showing kindness and compassion we can.

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:37-39

SHIKATA GA NAI

Everyday we have choices. We are able see what is not working or to notice what is working. To see abundance or scarcity. To choose joy and gratitude or hurt and revenge. The way we perceive ourselves and others makes us realize that we are imperfect and yet we hold ourselves to high standards. But it’s okay to let go.

Shikata Ga Nai is a Japanese phrase which means to let go of what can’t be changed. It’s the realization that some things are beyond our control and to be at peace with that. By letting go, one can focus on what one can change.

As we draw near to the end of yet another year, I thank the Lord that I am able to choose the blessings not the “blah’s”; choose the laughter over the tears; to learn from the lessons and cheer for the challenges that I’ve been through.

I want to walk in kindness, go offline now and then or sit in the stillness. I want to take deep breaths and take time with those I love. I want to be grateful for all I have, forgive others and even myself praising God for another morning. I want to play, laugh and sleep well. These are the choices I want more of.

As we celebrate the birth of Jesus this Christmas season, we have every reason to share the goodness of God. May He guide us as we are filled with joy, wisdom and courage. I choose to let His light shine and surrender all my plans to His perfect will in my life.

Have a blessed Christmas and may we choose Jesus in 2026 and beyond.

 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6

gratiarumactio

Whether its in Latin, Spanish, French or plain old English, giving thanks is essential to the believer’s walk in faith. Sometimes, I have to remind myself, that despite the storms, the rain and the “ugh” feeling, God is there with me and I need to thank Him. Not for the circumstance, but walking with me through it all. Recently, it’s been the death of my brother who passed away in his sleep. We all wonder, “when’s my time?”

And then there are those who are filled with denial thinking that “my time” is not a conscious thought because ushering death out of sight is much easier than sitting with the memories of our loved one. It sobers us and confronts us with our mortality.

We are made in God’s image, that human part. But nothing prepares us for death because things are never the same as what was before. One day it will be “my time”, but until then, I need to live. And part of that living, is being thankful that I am.

“No eye has seen, no ear has heard and no human mind has conceived the things God has prepared for those who love Him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9

What will we experience when we cross into eternity? For some there will be screams because hell is a real place. For those of us who are believers, it will be glorious to be in the Lord’s presence forever. Getting excited about eternity is that reality for me.

When the souls are counted, when we are gathered together in His presence, we will know that what mattered most in our lives was love. The love that expresses, was given and received and even fought for and that Christ died for. It is this Agape love that we inherit when we become children of God; not the watered-down, cultural half-life that impoverishes us. Maybe if we spent more time with Jesus, imagined heaven and loved others, we just might become a better person and used our time we have remaining on this earth to make a difference. Our death would not be in vain.

 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

KAIZEN

Japanese word: Kai means change and Zen is goodness or virtue. This noun is the philosophy of continuous improvement emphasizing small incremental changes that lead to significant enhancements over time.

I love the fact that even as we come to the end of summer, knowing that the leaves will soon turn (and some of them are!), fall from their branches and the cold breath of winter will silence nature for a season, we recall a glorious spring and summer where we watched nature unfold her petals to the sun and we were capturing images in our mind’s eye. Colors of the fresh, bright red berries, the chlorella of the leafy greens and the shades of blue on the water delight our eyes.

I also love the fact that I am by far anywhere to perfect. That God is continually working in my life; correcting me, teaching me and disciplining me. When I understand that making small changes in my attitudes, my habits and my choices is worth the long term effects, I am willing and able to adjust and improve.

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” – Romans 12:2

The bible is filled with examples of Kaizen. Abraham’s name was changed from Abram to demonstrate the change in his spiritual journey. He became the father of many nations. Jacob wrestled with an angel and God changed his name to Israel. Jacob went from deceiver to “one who sought God’s blessing.” The New Testament exemplifies Saul’s conversion to Paul on the road to Damascus. He became a devout follower of Jesus after persecuting Christians. Peter denied Christ three times, but was redeemed and had a renewed faith. Mary Magdalene completely turned her life around after Jesus cast out demons from her. The Prodigal Son, Zacchaeus, and so many believers have been transformed because of Jesus.

How are you being transformed because of your faith?

EARWORM

We’ve had lots of rain this summer. The trees are green, the grass is lush and the gardens are growing. I’ve been biking when it’s dry and walking when it’s wet. As I step around the puddles, I see the earthworms splayed across the path and I am reminded of another worm: Earworm which is that song or melody that keeps playing in your head.

It’s that tune on the radio you just heard. It’s the song you sing from the catchy commercial, TV show or movie. It’s the hymn or lullaby you heard over and over.

I love to think that it’s not random. In Zephaniah 3:17, the bible tells us that:

The Lord your God is with you,
    the Mighty Warrior who saves.
He will take great delight in you;
    in his love he will no longer rebuke you,
    but will rejoice over you with singing.

Apparently of all the thoughts a person thinks in a day, about 80% of them are negative. But we can wake up with a song in our heart, change those negative nags into positives and we can shift our thoughts to thinking about Jesus, joy and jubilation. Even playing worship songs can help us focus on Him instead of our circumstances.

When Paul and Silas were in jail they were actually singing (Acts16: 25-26). David’s song from 2 Samuel 22: 50 tells us:
Therefore I will praise you, Lord, among the nations;
    I will sing the praises of your name.

When that song gets “stuck” in your head, maybe God is trying to remind us of something. Maybe He’s trying to get our attention. He just loves us so much that He can’t help but sing over us.

Next time it happens. Stop. Look up and smile. God rejoices over you with singing.

EUDAEMONIA

“As the ball bounces” is an expression that tells us that “it’s just the way things are” or “it’s the way things worked out” and there’s nothing you can do about it. But there is!

Happiness; well-being and a life of purpose. Isn’t that what we all want?

To be joyful, cheerful and playful. Healthy. A direction in our days; a worthy life.

Rick Warren’s opening line in his book, Purpose Driven Life, is: “It’s not about you.” We can be living our life with eternal purpose. This world will disappoint. People will hurt us. We won’t always feel like we matter, but living out the purpose we were created for, gives meaning to our days and leads us toward a life we were meant to live. Warren’s book is a 42-day search for three of life’s questions that we often ask: Why do I exist? What significance do I have? and What’s my purpose here on earth?

We are a song, waiting to be sung. A flower ready to bloom. A laughter waiting to erupt from our bellies. We are God’s children always loved. And yet…

When we look at the grey sash of a day, heavy curtains over our eyes and a chill in the air, we can be pulled into the vortex of dismal, sadness and sickness. Like a deep well that permeates our souls, we long for the light and the vibrant squeeze of love to take us into a bright step of the sunshine.

King David, Job, Paul and Ruth from the bible were in those dark places, but they were prompted by promises from the Lord. When our souls cry out; the Lord hears. Even Jesus used laments; with Lazarus and before His death on the cross.

Psalms of lament are heartfelt words pleading for Divine Intervention. Some are personal and others corporate, but most of them end with hope.

Psalm 130:1 is a cry: “Out of the depths, I cry to you Lord; Lord, hear my voice.”

Psalm 6:3 is one of pain: “My soul is in deep anguish. How long, Lord, how long?”

As believers, we are saddened by the brokenness of our world, but as Paul tells us in 1 Thessalonians 4: 13-18, we have hope. We are to “weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15) and long for Jesus’ return.

Until then, we are to live with joy, peace, love and life. Jesus came to seek and save the lost. Our purpose is to glorify God and live in relationship with Him forever. Have you accepted Jesus as your Savior? It’s as simple as A - B - C.

Acknowledge that you (like all of us) are not perfect. Believe that Jesus died (on a cross) so you could live eternally with Him. Confess that He is in control of your life. Give it all to Him.

Pray that prayer and ask Jesus to come and live in your heart and start your relationship with Him today. You will be glad you did!