Les Miserables and Reflections on a New Year's Eve

I don't know how I managed to live 26 years without experiencing Les Miserables but that seems to be the way it worked out. It may be that I was supposed to read it for a high school or college course and somehow managed to write a paper without cracking open the book, but I'm pretty sure that's not the case. So, today, when I saw in the theater the blockbuster film which opened on Christmas Day, I was pretty impressed. Not that I was expecting any less. I'm well aware that the musical version of Victor Hugo's massive tome has been highly-acclaimed for many years, I've just never had the chance to partake. Now, however, I plan to fully avail myself of all acquirable options (literary, musical or otherwise).

Les Miserables--at least the condensed representation provided by the film--is a story of grace and redemption; a realization of that hallowed phrase "the meek will inherit the earth". Literally translated "the miserable ones", the book/film's title does not appear, at first, to offer a very hopeful ending. Nonetheless, I came away from the film incredibly uplifted. And not just because the vocal performances (filmed live) were awe-inspiringly empathetic. I plan on reading the book immediately (so if my summation is completely off-base, I will discover that at some point in the near future) but, upon first impression, I was struck by the underlying chord of grace that inspired the entire story. From the outset of the film, the main character (Jean Valjean) is presented with several situations in which either his commitment to God or reliance on a humanistic system of values must take precedent. In all situations, he chooses his commitment to God: pursuing truth over lies, mercy over justice and sacrifice over selfishness.

Whatever Victor Hugo's religious views may have been (and from a brief review of Wikipedia, I can see they were varied), there is a story within his story that recalls the notions of the redemption we are given in Christ. We are enslaved to the Law; we are shown Grace, completely undeserving; the Law is conquered by the shedding of blood; we are brought into a restored relationship, given over and again "one more day" to live by this Grace, continually sanctified, until we are brought into glory by death. This summary follows Jean's path from the slavery that is the punishment of his sins--a punishment required by the Law--to a situation where he is shown grace (by a priest, assumedly of the Catholic church). From that point, Jean dedicates his life to God though he is still on the run from the threat of the law (his past sins still haunt him), represented by Inspector Javert. Later on in the film, Jean has the opportunity to kill Javert, to rid himself of the threat of death at the hand of the Inspector; yet, Jean spares Javert's life and goes on to risk his own life to save that of his adopted daughter Colette's beloved Marius. There are so many allegories here I could go on forever (and maybe I will at some point), but what I'm getting to really is more relevant than just reiterating how great the story is.

The film closes with Jean's death and entrance into a version of heaven in which previously fallen protagonists ("The Miserables Ones") in the story have returned in full force, singing the anthem (from the musical) which had spurred them to fight and die in revolution against the oppressive French government. The lyrics say:

Do you hear the people sing?
Lost in the valley of the night
It is the music of a people who are climbing to the light
For the wretched of the earth
There is a flame that never dies
Even the darkest nights will end and the sun will rise
They will live again in freedom in the garden of the Lord
They will walk behind the ploughshare
They will put away the sword
The chain will be broken and all men will have their reward!

This may be where the book and the musical/film diverge, but this finale was especially poignant to me because thoughts like this have been on my mind lately. Not necessarily of death (although that's part of it), but of why we're here, what we're meant to do, and how we're to use the time with which we are blessed. And by "we" in particular, I mean Christians: followers of Christ and lovers of His Word; those who are living for Him in this world, in the world but not of it. I'm not saying the French Revolution needs repeat itself on a daily basis to spur this kind of reaction to a humanistic, materialistic environment. But I can certainly see the parallels in our society today and the message is relevant today as it was when written. We will always be presented with situations in this world where we must choose between might and right; law and grace; God's path or man's path -- and we may endure suffering for it. Yet, as the particularly applicable lyrics say, "For the wretched of the earth, there is a flame that never dies.... they will live again in freedom in the garden of the Lord!". Even for those who have been maligned and oppressed on this earth, our hope is in a power greater than any government (especially greater than that of the French!), and our courage lies not in the colors of a flag or in wealth or even the relationships of friends and family, but in the shed blood of Christ and His mediation for us in the courts of the Lord.

This message is especially powerful as we have just celebrated Christ's Advent on earth during Christmas and the memory of this truth is still fresh in my mind. And with this new year, this "one more day" so to speak (in the words of the song from the musical/movie), we are still pursuing that time of peace when we will "put away the sword" and "walk behind the ploughshare". And until that time is reached (nobody knows when, not even the Mayans!), we are called to live in such a way that the Truth of this story is known: "...let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." (Matt. 5:16) As the fictional Jean lived: in a way that astounded his fellow men, bewildered his enemies, and impacted for the better those whom he loved. May this new year be an opportunity for us (me) to live in this way: that Christ may be shown and His kingdom, "the garden of the Lord", draw ever nearer.


For further reading: 
The Book of Isaiah 
Les Miserables
Huffington Post Article that I literally just found after writing the above long-winded post
Addendum: Just stumbled across this post today (Jan 3): http://thepubscout.com/2013/01/les-miserables-story-of-a-savior/

Note Bene: The included image is the painting "Fantine" by Margaret Bernadine Hall. The painting is stunning, in my opinion, and not just because I have the same name as the artist. I only know of it because it was included in the Wikipedia summary of "Les Miserables" and now that I've seen it/heard of her, I will be researching the artist's work further. You can be sure I'll post anything I come up with.

Rejoice! {The End of 2012}

Another year is winding down already, and I have posted on this blog exactly twice. Quite an accomplishment, right? There are a few posts that were begun and never completed; a couple that were completed and never published.... until now. Those two are below. Sometimes I write these thoughts down when I'm riled up and decide not to publish them later for fear that I might offend someone. Realizing now that approximately five people (if that) are actually reading here, I decided if I'm going to offend anyone, it's better the few than the many. So, read away... and maybe I'll dig back into my archives of Drafts and publish some more for your offensive reading enjoyment.

That being said, I would like to keep up with this blog more in 2013. You could say it's a resolution... again. But really the best thing about posting on a blog online is being able to read back on all the silly/embarrassing/semi-insightful thoughts I've had over the years. Plus, I can type faster than I can write, so it's easier than keeping a written journal.

2012 has been a big year for us, and to sum it all up I've put together a list of highlights from the year... it's been filled with some wonderful experiences and memories that will last a lifetime.

February
I started a new job with CBRE as a "Marketing Specialist"

May

Youngest Sister's College Graduation -- last in line (so far) of 

the family legacy at Hillsdale College

August
Patrick’s 30th & my 26th
 Birthday Party at the River Shannon Bar

September
Patrick’s Birthday Hunting Trip
to Alder, Montana at the
Broken Arrow Lodge

October

Girls' Weekend in Louisville with my favorite college buds

November
11-Day Anniversary Trip to Croatia

I'm probably forgetting some big events, so I'll add those later -- but, as you can see, it's been a great year and I've enjoyed every moment of it. We were blessed to be able to travel to some pretty amazing places and see the beauty of this world that God has created while experiencing different ways of life that couldn't help but give worthwhile perspective. There is so much to be grateful for and that's really all I can say: I'm so grateful for all that God has blessed us with and whatever 2013 brings, I pray that I can face it with this same gratitude I feel now!

So, to close, I'll give you the verse that has been with me all year -- my anthem for 2012, you could say. I wrote it down on a little scrap of paper while I was interviewing in January for what is now my current job. It was a stressful time and a tough decision, but as I recited this verse over and over in my head during that month, I knew it would all work out for the best...and it did (as He planned): 

Phillipians 4:4-9 

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

The Altar of Family

I am intrigued by this article and what it says about a principle I hold dear.

"The stuff of many women's fantasies includes an adoring, faithful spouse; attractive, obedient kids; people who depend on you, love you, give you a reason to get out of bed, regularly stand up and sing your praises. And it is idolatry, just like money, power, and fame."

http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/tgc/2012/08/28/worshiping-at-the-altar-of-family/

Grace Abounds

 These thoughts are inspired by a tweet from a website I saw on Facebook:

"Be patient with yourself. To be human is to be beautifully flawed and covered in grace." @MIHImage (http://www.madeinhisimage.org/)

I don't believe that God loves my flaws. I don't believe that He accepts me "just as I am." Because what I am--human, sinful and broken--is not worthy of a perfect and holy God. I believe sin angers God. It is an offense to His perfection. Which means that my sin angers God. My flaws are not acceptable, they are an abomination to His image.

I do not believe that my flaws are beautiful. 

 

They are shameful. My imperfection is not pleasing to God... but His love was and is so great that, in spite of and because of my sins, He sent His only Son to die so that my sins might be obliterated. That His blood might wash me clean and make me white as snow: without sin, without flaw. In Christ, I am beautifully flawless. On my own, I am nothing but rags and ashes.

It is this truth that makes the Gospel so much more dear. Not that God accepts me because of me flaws, but that He accepts me in spite of them. That I was totally and completely undeserving, but His love was greater than my failure, and He made it so that I was acceptable to be adopted as His child. And not only that, but Christ's sacrifice is efficacious: continually giving me the grace to live in Him until the day of His return. 

So, "be patient with yourself", you say? I'd rather recognize that I will never be able to justify myself, no matter how much time I'm given, and thank God for the patience He already has with me.

Romans 5:20

"Where sin abounds, grace abounds all the more."

Inspirations

I find this time of year so inspiring (mid/late spring, beginning of summer), and I'm not sure if it has to do with the long-instilled sense of excitement that comes with the end of a school year and the beginning of another summer with its accompanying vacations; or perhaps it's just the beautiful weather, temperate climes and the promise of many sunny afternoons spent with a cold drink in-hand. Whatever it is (probably a combination of both my youthful anticipations and now-adult enjoyments), I love this season. Perhaps even more so this year because we had an unusually early, and warm, spring here in Chicago, and I've been soaking it up. We enjoyed not only an early spring, but a mild winter and I'm beginning to wonder if the apocalypse is near (just kidding... mostly).

Whatever the cause, I've been trying to make the most of these beautiful days. DH and I started a back-porch garden (photos to come) and are eagerly awaiting our first crop of homegrown cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, green peppers, and jalapenos. We are already enjoying the fruits of our basil and mint plantings.

I've also been enjoying some good books and good music. Most recently completed was Infelice by the incomparable Augusta Jane (Evans) Wilson, the most recent addition to my list of favorite authors (recent as in the last 2 years, joining the ranks of J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis). The image cover below is a passable rendering, but the descriptive powers of AJE's writing really deserve much better, leading to my consideration of an illustration project based on her novels. I'm afraid the audience for this type of writing is sadly limited, but one of these days I may find enough time (and the right models) to bring these stories to life on canvas. It is easy for me to call images to mind as I'm reading, but I'll admit that I enjoy illustrations as well -- especially when similar to my own imaginings.

That being said, I aim this summer to really put as much time as possible into creative efforts. Whether it be side design projects (which already take up a fair amount of my time), or painting and drawing. A fresh bouquet like this would make quite a nice little still life... Does anybody know what kind of flowers these are (they grow on a very tall bush outside our apartment)?

Groundhog....Year?

Groundhog Day was last Thursday (and yes, it does appear we'll have 6 more weeks of winter).... but I feel like I'm having a Groundhog Year! Maybe it has something to do with the fact that this is a leap year...?

Why, you may ask, am I feeling this way? Well, I'm starting a new job. Again. Things seem to be repeating themselves... This time last year, I was still working at The Restaurant Directory -- we had just opened an office in the suburbs, and I was commuting 3 days a week. Until I got recruited by Jones Lang LaSalle. I started my position there as a Sr Graphic Designer in early March 2011. Tomorrow I start a new job. Again. I will now be working as a Marketing Specialist at CBRE. Crazy, no? I never would have expected myself to end up in the real estate biz, but that's a post for another day.

I  have the connections and interest of friends to thank for these recent changes and, more importantly, the Divine intervention that has brought me where I am today. We can never imagine as 12-, 16-, 18-, 20-year olds, etc., where our lives will end up as time goes by. It is a funny thing to look back on the past and see how God has arranged events in just such a way to bring us to a new chapter in life, and bring us closer to Him. He really does know best, and this I have learned to trust.

So, who knows where I'll be 12 months from now but, for the moment, I'm trusting that I am exactly where I need to be. Groundhog Day or not.

Red + White Kitchen

Someday I think I'd fancy a white kitchen with red accents.... 

Christmas Break Re-cap

It has been a wonderful 12 Days of Christmas. We were able to take enough days off of work to give us this 12-day break, and it's been chock full of adventures worth recording here for posterity's sake!

Although the first day off was a little rocky (I ended up having to work, even though I was out of office on PTO), but once we got on the road and made it to Indiana things cleared up. There's not much that being welcomed with a glass of champagne and a big hug can't fix. We enjoyed dinner and a pre-Christmas gift exchange with the in-laws -- good food, good times and lots of great presents!  Including but not limited to:

And that was just the beginning! I love giving gifts as much as I enjoy receiving them, so I must say this year was an incredible success where both sides of the equation are concerned!

We got on the road to Georgia on Friday morning and arrived to a warm welcome at 6:30 in the evening. Dinner around the table at which we gathered every evening throughout my childhood is always a heartwarming experience. Nothing can mar that memory, despite the sibling spats and awkward silences those dinner table conversations may have included at one point or another -- my mind will always remember the love given, learning offered and relationships built around that table. It's something I hope to provide for my family some day as well. I believe the dinner table is a necessary pillar of strength to the family structure.... but that's a post for another day.

Saturday (Christmas eve) was spent in food preparation and catching up with family. It doesn't get much better....

 

Gingerbread Cake a la Young Pastry Chef

Classic Christmas Eve table-setting...

Bruder-in-law

 

My youngest sister and her BF

 

Me and DH!

 

My older sister and her husband (aka bruder-in-law)

Saturday evening was the Christmas Eve service at All Saints Episcopal Church in downtown Atlanta. Although my eldest sister sang in both services, I attended the first alone. It was reverent and memorable. I don't need to be at the front of the church to know that my voice lifted in worship is heard by the most important Audience. I much prefer being amidst the congregation, whether we are in harmony or not -- it makes me think that's what heaven must be like.

Sunday was Sabbath. We spent the morning together as a family in worship. My sisters and I sang for the service and, again, there's just no better feeling than being in harmony (mentally, spiritually and vocally) with those you love. I won't deny that we were all a little anxious for the Christmas festivities to being, but I can't deny the message of which we were reminded on Sunday morning: the only holiday which God has given us to celebrate continually is the Sabbath. On that day we celebrate not only the advent but also the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and anticipate His coming again. And we get to do it every week! No arbitrary day established by the Church to convert a pagan holiday can be more important than that. Nonetheless (and this is yet another conversation for another post), we are to live as a Christian culture and I think that the Christmas celebration can be a very important redeeming factor of a culture that might otherwise be sinking low under the weight of modern customs.

After church, gifts were exchanged, fun was had, more food eaten... and more gifts exchanged! Love this part!

And then the forced Family Photos.... always worth it, in my humble opinion. :)

P.S. Dear family, if you're reading this -- don't worry, I'm sending prints of all the photos. :)

2012, here we come!

Is it bad that my resolutions haven't changed from last year's? Everything I was thinking and feeling at this time last year still applies... with 365 days worth of experience tacked on for proof.

So, along with yet another new blog design, I'm posting my resolutions for 2012, as well as last year's Proviso for a New Year's Revolution. Although the general concepts are the same, I've added updates that apply since I first made these resolutions for 2011!

1. Paint more regularly (it's been rather sporadic since 2008)--and complete the paintings I start.
   2012 update: I took a few classes at the Palette & Chisel studio in 2011, and plan on doing a few more this year -- being in the right environment has a lot to do with keeping the creative juices flowing!
   
2. Exercise more often and attain a healthy weight (what this will be I'm not quite sure... I think I'll know it when I see it).
   2012 update: Our gym membership expired in June 2011.... we just renewed it in November. That means a full 18 months to get back into the swing of things! I'm hoping to do more group classes for Pilates, aerobics, dance, etc.
   
   
3.  *Keep House... better and with a joyful spirit (*This covers a variety of concepts, including but not limited to cooking, cleaning, organizing, decorating and maintaining a general environment of comfort and joy.)
   2012 update: This has become increasingly difficult since the start of my new job in March 2011. I couldn't have guessed how much that would change my schedule back in January 2011, but it does add a new level of challenge to keep up with a housekeeping regimen. I think I'm up to the challenge..... Looks like I won't be going to bed before 11pm this year!
   
   
4. Cook meals that are both healthy and delicious (this includes weekly meal planning to avoid last-minute restaurant meals and as well as consideration of nutritional value)!
   2012 update: This is also a more difficult task with my job hours, but I know there's plenty of women out there who can do it -- so can I!
   
   
5. Pursue contentment, peace and gratitude in any given predicament: job, location and general life situation.
   2012 update: This is an ongoing pursuit in my life... one with its good days and its bad days. 2011 was a pretty 50/50 split as far as feeling contentment. I'm hoping that one day (soon) everything will just snap into place but, in the meantime, I'm willing to keep working at maintaining that balance.
   
   
6. Be more proactive in all of my relationships -- near and far.
   2012 update: I've always known that I was something of a loner. I don't always need company to be happy, but sometimes I really do need someone who gets me and is willing to listen. I realize that's pretty selfish and one-sided -- wanting a relationship that works only when it suits me. So, the update to this goal is to be more giving of myself and willing to make a relationship/friendship work even when I feel like I'm not getting everything I want out of it. A friendship (just like a marriage) takes two people working at it, which can be quite difficult, so my goal for 2012 is to work harder and pursue the relationships that count the most.

So, there you have it. It's somewhat intimidating to see these in print, but I figure if they're written down somewhere that makes them more real and binding. Which means I have to try and complete them. For at least another 12 months! Here we go....