I just finished watching Les Miserables and I became compelled to write a blog post about it. It is a beautiful story about how love and compassion can change a person. The setting of the story evolved in 19th century France where Jean Valjean a man who is released from prison breaks his parole to give his life another chance while trying to escape the ruthless Javert. For the sake of those who haven't watched it, I will not be talking about the details in the movie. Besides, the lesson of the story is just as important as the movie itself.
"Always trust in the goodness of every person you meet." I was taught this lesson by someone who is very close to my heart. She taught me how to be compassionate and accepting. Yes, I admit that I used to only see things in black and white. Simply because I was given a gift of analyzing and knowing things even before it happens. Because of that, I grew up afraid and paranoid, always second guessing the intentions of everyone around me. Always expecting the worst in people. But it helped me prepare for any challenges that will come my way. Well, there was not a lot of challenges simply because I was always afraid of the risk and I can also forsee the outcome. But 6 years ago, my life changed because of this person. Especially when the turning point of my life happened a year ago. When I learned how to trust in people, I also learned how to let go and live.
We all go through that point in our life that changed us. The effect can be something positive or negative. Sometimes, because of our experiences in life, it molds us into who we are now. Situations whether it is good or bad has a huge effect on a person's character. Take Jean Valjean as an example. He was forced into slavery because he stole bread for his sister's hungry children. In the eyes of the law, he was a thief and will always be a thief. But in the eyes of his sister and children, he was a saint for he sacrificed his life so he can save them. During his time in prison, he grew angry and revengeful. He lost his trust in the goodness of man. Then came the turning point of his life. When no one wanted him, he found acceptance and love in the Lord. All that he needed was to feel that despite his awful past, he is given unconditional love, trust and forgiveness. Since then, he learned to be sensitive to the needs of others. He may not changed everybody's life but he sure made an impact to each person he helps. His act of charity is not entirely about giving financial support but also by giving encouragement and hope.
I saw a part of Jean Valjean in my very special friend. Sure, she did not have a very blissful past and made a lot of mistakes, but I know for sure that her future will be everything she could ever hope for. Simply because she embraced the lessons and not the heartache of her past. To her, the past is not important because the future is still spotless. I truly believe that whatever you give, it is also you receive. Maybe not according to how we want it, but how it should be for our own benefit. Sometimes, the things we think are good for us are the ones that will destroy us. Though we are in control of our future, we have no control on the people around us. All that we need to do is just trust in the goodness of everyone. This is exactly how she lives her life. That no matter how many times other people disappoint her, she loves them unconditionally anyway. She gives so much love and compassion to other people, not even considering if they will be willing to give it back to her. There is a huge part of her that if you only take time to know, you will be amazed on how beautiful this person is. How I wish, they can see her the way I do. Maybe they will start appreciating her more and be grateful because she is a part of their life. If they only know how much she is willing to do for them maybe they will be more kind to her.
At the end of the day, just like in the story, the quality of life you live is not based on how much success and wealth you acquired. It is not measured by accomplishments or fame. It is about how much love, compassion and trust you gave to others. It is about how you can change a man through your mercy and acceptance. Realize that all the material things in our life, we can lose them so easily. There is no point holding on to them. Instead, use them to change someone's life and trust in their goodness. Invest in building strong relationship with your family because it is true, family by blood or by love should always help and accept each other. "And remember the truth that once was spoken; To love another person is to see the face of God."
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