A Smile: the easiest way to change the world.

Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing. -Mother Teresa





When I started uni I found it wasn't easy to make new friends, especially if you were a bit shy and initially quiet like me. I was just one of hundreds of other students in the huge lecture halls, and we'd shuffle in and shuffle out barely making eye contact with anyone we didn't already know.

One day I must have been feeling a bit lonely, and I decided "this is ridiculous. Amidst thousands of other people its crazy that I barely talk to anyone all day." So as I took a seat in the lecture hall I decided that rather than stare blankly til it was over then shuffle anonymously out again, I would smile at the next person who came along and sat near me.

I did it, and I still remember the way her face lit up as she smiled back; as she recognised the acknowledgement of her humanity in that small gesture.

We became lecture friends - once we were no longer in the same classes I lost touch. Because what I only glimpsed then I didn't really understand until now; back then I was still self-absorbed in my own anxieties and so I missed the real point of making a friend.

The smile didn't work because it made me seem like a nice person; it had an effect because it validated the other person. When we smile we say, "I see you. I acknowledge you. You are a reason for joy."

And when we realise that the value and purpose of our lives comes not so much from what we think of ourselves, but from how we make others feel, that's when we really start to make a difference.

Smile: it costs you nothing, benefits you greatly, and to someone else it could mean everything.

It's the easiest way to change the world.

It starts with us

If you're an Australian you'll know the results of our recent Federal Election mean we have a new Prime Minister.

In case you're not in Australia, you should know that we've had tumultuous few years of government and a lot of people were pretty unhappy with the way things were going.

But with a change of Government, I've still seen plenty of unhappiness with the election the Liberals and of Toby Abbott as Prime Minister.

One of the criticisms is the projected financial cuts to get rid of the debt our country is in. One of these is reported to be a cut of $4.5 billion of foreign aid.

In the midst of the our cry, I had a thought... Are we really surprised?

Look at any household in the nation - when there's a financial crunch, what is often high on the list of cuts? Giving. When people are worried about their own security, they stop giving to others.

I'm not sure why the Government is expected to act any differently on a large scale than we do on a small scale.

That's why, while I'd be happy if Australia gave more instead of less and I'll lend my voice to make that known, I'm not actually that concerned with what our government does.

What I'm mostly concerned about is what we do, the people, the individuals who make up our families and communities.

Are we practicing generosity? And are we practicing it even when our own circumstances aren't certain?

Are we teaching our children to think of others at least as much as themselves? Are we leading by example in the way that we live and love others?

That's what matters to me - that's what will make a real difference in the long run. If we transform the hearts of our people to be compassionate and generous no matter what, if we raise up a new generation of passionate, selfless young people - just imagine the change we will effect. Far more than $4.5 billion worth.

Who's with me?

What can you do today to show with your actions and not just your words that generosity matters? That people matter?

Build Change Into Your Life

The other morning I went for a walk in to the little town I live in, got some fresh air, bought a few organic pears from a little food store, talked to some locals... and felt really good.

And it made me think - this is what changing the world looks like.

It's not - or shouldn't be - the exclusive domain of radical, extremist and hippies - A few doing a lot. It should look more like many doing a little. We think a little won't make a difference, but if we all do it, and you add up that change, and watch it roll on and pick up momentum through the coming generations we influence... if you could see the future you would be astounded at the difference your few little changes will make!

But you do have to make those changes. I promise you, it's easier than you think.

Compare my morning to the normal busy, impersonal shopping centre that encourages us to buy, rush, overspend, be a faceless consumer. It's a benefit to your sanity and happiness as much as it is doing good for the world.

There is a place for big events, campaigns and fundraisers. But if these simply raise hype about one issue for a limited time then fade away again - if they don't motivate sustainable change - their effect is limited. These big things need to happen within the climate of daily, little things we can all do.

Change is a lot easier, and a lot more effective long term, if it is built into your life, rather than something that you have to make the effort to tack on top when you think of it.

Something built in, like your child sponsorship coming out of your account each month, or choosing a local shop to frequent as part of your routine, or even having a jar at home that you empty loose change in to each night, and donate it when it's full - even these little habits can add up to real difference. Not only because they give to others, but because they serve as reminder to consistently think of others.

The Israelites even had built in systems to ensure justice. Every fifty years, Jubilee ensured families who had lost their land had it given back, had debts cancelled, so that everyone had a chance to get back on their feet. It was a built in justice system, to make sure things never got too out of balance. God obviously knew that no matter how good our intentions, human beings are always going to get busy, lazy and forgetful, and without a reminder, it's easy to forget how long it's been since we've thought of others.

It's not mandated any more, but it doesn't hurt to take that as inspiration and think of ways we can build change into our life. A massive, radical life overhaul is too daunting for most people - not to mention impractical and mostly unnecessary. Don't try and look at everything that needs to change about the world and try to tackle it all at once. Just start with one thing you have control over.

Here's a simple plan you could follow over the next 4 weeks:

1. Week one, start putting your loose change in a jar each night. (When it's full, invest it in Kiva, or donate to another cause.)

2. This week, buy a fair trade brand of coffee or tea instead of your normal brand. Invite a friend around for coffee and tell them why you're using a new product.

3. Encourage a woman - every Monday from now, try to make it a habit to encourage a female friend, co-worker or leader. It can be as simple as a text or facebook message, to a handwritten letter.

4. Find a local store or market you can add to your weekly shopping. Try and build it into your routine, even if you just buy some fruit from there each week. 

5. Continue these things you've put in place, and when these become easy and effortless, add some more...


So, these things seem little, but let's think about the difference they are really making:

1. Making this a habit encourages us to remember to be generous, and to find worthy causes.

2. This reminds us of the impact of our choices, to think more about how much we buy and what we really need, to consider others in our daily lives.

3. This reminds us to build each other up, to value the contributions of women, to celebrate each other rather than compete.

4. We are connecting with others - interactions like these help us live longer and happier. We are supporting the people in our community, and reminding ourselves to think about the real lives behind the things we do and buy every day.


Do this consistently, and you'll be creating permanent change in your own heart and thinking. What influence might this have on those who see what you do and the way you act - our friends, our daughters...


What do you think? What other ways can we build little bits of change it our lives?