Side bar: I think its interesting that there is no English equivalent to this word in our language. (Though the word reminds me of a Japanese word in the peaceful way it rolls off of the tongue.)
So let's get to it, what would you say are the meraki in your life? And remember, it may not be a thing, it may be a person. So why don't you grab a piece of paper, turn off your phone, (or at least the notifications) and focus your thoughts. Think deeply about what really holds your heart captive. Is it your job, entertainment, pleasure, social media, numbness, friends, enemies, justice, politics, what is coming to the forefront of your mind right now?
If you are still seeking clarity, examine your fiances and your calendar. We always find time (and money with rare exceptions . . . ) for the things we love and value. But I would encourage you to take this experiment one step further; select someone close to you and ask them to describe your passions. This could be anyone, your spouse, child, best friend, co-worker, anyone who has spent quality time with you and knows what you are like when you take off your mask.
This question of what is important in our lives is not a new topic. Over two thousand years ago Jesus Christ was asked by a religious leader (who were called Pharisees) what is the greatest commandment in the Bible. Back story: The Pharisees had added hundreds of man-ordained laws in addition to the Old Testament commandments listed in the Bible. Their goal being to retain power over their members and implementing unobtainable laws in their daily lives was the process they chose. So you can imagine the religious leader's shock when Jesus replied that there were were only two laws that God was interested in, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself." The religious leader departed, crushed in spirit and ambition.
Life can quickly become complicated, making it difficult if not impossible to continue on the spiritual journey God has called us to complete. That is why I love this answer to this religious leader. Instead of the hundreds of laws that were impossible for mankind to follow, Jesus consolidated the law down to two commandments. It's been my experience that Jesus is never about complicating our lives, His desire is for us to grow closer to Him, and rules push us further away. That is why the Bible reminds us that His mercies are new each and every day, for each one of us as we take our next breath on this planet. He is for us, not against us. His grace is extended to each of us, beyond measure, not desiring that any of us choose to reject His gift of salvation.
So I would recommend that you spend some time pondering the words of Jesus, asking Him how your doing in following the two commandments He has given us to follow. You might be surprised at what He shows you in regard to the passions of your heart. (He continually shows me through His Word and prayer things about my life that have been impossible for me to discern on my own)
I promise you that this brief experiment will be well worth your investment in time. And if we are Christ followers, (and willing to hear His voice) we have His Spirit dwelling inside of to give us discernment and wisdom in regard to the true nature of our meraki.
