Perspectives: Meh or Amazing?… Hello weekend readers. I am musing on this word ‘meh’ which we find on TV, billboards, etc. Actually, the word ‘meh’ has been around a long time. The actual meaning of the word “meh” is: 1) Conveys a “I don’t care”–”I’m not impressed” attitude. 2) Functions as a non-committal response to questions or descriptions of something underwhelming. 3) No surprise that it is associated with The Simpsons, but mostly it has roots in Yiddish which “meh” means disdain! 4) It’s neutral but has mild disappointment or resignation. 5) It is often used to describe a state of being unimpressed and associated with feelings of everyday apathy and a “I don’t care” though. So, there you have it “meh” and here is the devotion!!

True story: A tourist from the USA was visiting Italy years ago and decided to take a tour of several old churches. He came across one that was undergoing major renovations. Much of it had been demolished and was in the process of being rebuilt. He walked up to three of the masons who were working on the church and asked them, “Hello friends, can you tell me what you are doing?” Thankfully the men understood the language and they told the tourist what they were doing. The 1st mason said: “I am cutting stone.” The 2nd mason said “I’m making 1,000 lire a day.” And the 3rd mason joyfully exclaimed: “I’m building a beautiful church!” The tourist asked the 3rd mason when he would be off duty because he wanted to take this joyful man to dinner. Little did any of these men realize that this tourist was the Rev. Billy Graham!

It’s amazing what a different perspective makes. The 1st and 2nd masons did their job but in answering they might as well say “meh” but—the 3rd mason was delighted in what he was doing. What a different perspective, right? Perhaps the 1st mason felt like he didn’t fit in for the job thinking it is just menial work. Maybe the 2nd mason was not happy with his lire and I can understand, that lire at the time was, in our American money, 61 cents per hour. “Meh!”

In 1 Corinthians 10:31-33 [MSG], the Apostle Paul would shoot down “Meh” in a moment, and say to us all: “So eat your meals heartily, not worrying about what others say about you—you’re eating to God’s glory, after all, not to please them. As a matter of fact, do everything that way, heartily and freely to God’s glory. At the same time, don’t be callous in your exercise of freedom, thoughtlessly stepping on the toes of those who aren’t as free as you are. I try my best to be considerate of everyone’s feelings in all these matters; I hope you will be, too.”

So, back to “Meh” which is a common interjection, adjective, or adverb used to express indifference, boredom, apathy, or mild disappointment. It acts as a verbal shrug, indicating something is mediocre, uninspired, or that the speaker has no opinion. Kind of like the 1st and 2nd mason. Yet, nothing is menial in God’s Kingdom!

Think about this: many Christians think of their quiet time as “Oh, I’m just reading the Bible,” when actually they’re learning what it means to walk more closely with Jesus. It’s not “Meh” it’s a totally different perspective! So, what are some tasks you sometimes find menial that really point to a higher purpose? Have you thought about it that way? How can you change your perspective on your daily routine so you can better see God’s plan for your life?

In God’s Kingdom every task we accomplish ultimately points to a greater purpose, not just for us. So, whether you’re reading your Bible, talking with a friend, or praying, remember that you’re doing much more than a simple task. Actually, this is what you are doing: You are serving the Most High God! No “Meh” here, with God it is always Amazing! AMEN.