Day 51: 5 Gratitudes for Friday, 5

1. My husband who happily & willingly took me to see Les Miserables at the theater for my birthday. Musicals are not Steve's favorites, but he knew this was a show I have wanted to see for a long time (never lived anywhere where the stage production was available).

2. For amazing and uplifting stories - Les Mis was all that I hoped for and so much more. Steve and I were both visibly moved. We are so excited to share this story with kiddos. The lessons of mercy, kindness and love...just wow. wow.

3. So after seeing Les Mis what could I possibly be upset about? I mean everything in my life is sooo much better than I realized...even with the very stubborn bed bugs! I have shelter, I have food, I have electricity, I have indoor plumbing (no chamber pots for me!), I have a loving family and friends. I could go on, but I won't - I think you get the point.

4. My children making me presents and giving me breakfast in bed. It was a wonderful surprise and a great way to start my day. I have some pretty amazing children. I am pretty blessed to have them in my life.

5. Did I mention Les Mis???? I am thankful that my friend, Ashlee, encouraged me to read the book "A Thomas Jefferson Education." I am thankful my friend, Mary, let me borrow her copy of the book. I am thankful I read the book because it taught me this principle for books (although it can & should be applied to music, movies, etc.): 4 categories to help us judge whether we should spend the time in a book. A: Broken - evil is portrayed as good, good is portrayed as evil and evil wins. This is usually things like horror flicks and pornos. B: Bent - evil is portrayed as evil, good is portrayed as good, but evil wins. Think 1984 or Lord of the Flies. C: Wholesome - evil is evil, good is good and good wins. Almost all classics. D: Healing - this is any book that touches your life so deeply that it moves you to make a change or improve, etc. Normally, wholesome books are healing, but bent can be healing as well. Healing is totally personal.
Les Mis is most definitely Wholesome and time will tell if it is Healing for me, but the way I feel now...it is healing. I very much want to read the book that the movie is based on. I would still love to see a stage production. I would love to own the soundtrack. But I find the story amazing. "When you love another person you see the face of God..." kind of says it all. Life is not black & white, but if we know who we are (A child of God) and live our lives that way then we will touch others and we will die & go to heaven. I realize that this is similar to the scripture that basically says when you help the least of these ye have done unto me.

Anyway, go see Les Mis - you won't regret it!