Valentine's Day is pretty great.
Even when I don't have anyone "special" to celebrate it with, it's fun to see the world giving a little more love than it usually does.
Friday night I wanted to watch a movie (cause that's what I do when I'm bored..) and I was struggling to think of the right one for my mood. Being Valentine's weekend, I wanted it to be at least slightly romantic, but I didn't want to watch a chick-flick. (I've been anti-c.f.'s lately.. not sure why.) It came down to Life is Beautiful and West Side Story. I eenie-miney-moed for LiB.
Um. Hello BEST RANDOM CHOICE EVER. While I've always loved W.S.S... this was perfect for me. I'd kind of been moping around the last couple days thinking about how I hadn't ever really "dated" anyone too seriously. While watching LiB I realized that it's okay, because I'll find someone to make up for all this time I've been by myself.
Guido (the main guy) is incredible. Not only does he stay optimistic in the ABSOLUTE WORST situation possible.. he encourages his son to think positively, too. I know if I were in his situation, I'd be complaining, trying to make fun of the people that were torturing me, or wallowing in self-pity. It wouldn't even cross my mind to try to think of a way to make it a fun situation for those around me. Guido doesn't worry about what ANYONE thinks except his family. He takes risks that could literally end his life for his son.
I need to be more selfless, optimistic, and happy.
(Now for the spiritual moment..)
This morning I was laying in bed and thinking about how I could change the world (yeah, I realize the irony). I thought about the small steps I could take toward making everyone's lives a little bit better. Then I started my scripture study and read Helaman 5:7-8. I can't pick out the "best parts" so here it is:
"7-Therefore, my sons, I would that ye should do that which is good, that it may be said of you, and also be written, even as it has been said and written of [Lehi, Nephi, etc.].
8-And now my sons, behold I have somewhat more to desire of you, which desire is, that ye may not do these things that ye may boast, but that ye may do these things to lay up for yourselves a treasure in heaven, yea, which is eternal, and which fadeth not away; yea, that ye may have that precious gift of eternal life, which we have reason to suppose hath been given to our fathers."
Imagine my shame when I realized how selfishly I was thinking! I was literally thinking "What can I do to make people realize I'm trying to change the world?" (because I had been thinking of the Olympics and the fame of the Olympians.. haha.) and BAM! I was shown the error of my ways. I need to be doing good things quietly, happily, and humbly (like Guido).
I love big realizations like that. Especially when it's something I should have already figured out.
6 comments:
Dear Celeste.
Happy Valentine's Day! I love those realizations too... Isn't God so great? He's so patient with us. I love that you discovered that! Thank you for sharing :) I've never seen LiB. I think I should. Except I'd probably cry, cause doesn't he die at the end? Maybe that's Schindler's List. I don't know. Anyway. Thanks for sharing. That was awesome. You rock my socks
Celeste, I loved this post. :-) I've never seen LiB before, but I've heard good things about it. I'll have to borrow it sometime so that I too may be enlightened, uplifted and want to change the world. You basically rock my world...not sure if you were aware.
I absolutely LOVE "Life is Beautiful." I'm glad you watched it. And very cool the connection of it all. What a great opportunity to be taught! You're incredible!
Really? How many people haven't seen this movie? It's a shame. I guess I just took it for a given that everyone has seen it! Celeste, they're all right - you rock, (and you're incredible).
i absolutely loved this post. it really hit home to very similar thoughts i have had. gracias, ceblest.
Thanks for sharing that spiritual moment! :)
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