Two Forms of Riches

As many of you know, I am a reader of classic literature. Being raised on Jane Austen and the Bronte sisters, to be perfectly honest, I find much of modern literature quite insipid. Most people would find it very difficult to be more interested by the (so I have heard) slow going story of Pride and Prejudice than the quick paced events of the twilight books. But so it is with me.

Yes…. I am still laboring over Les Miserables. It has been many months since I have undertaken this work. It is certainly a difficult read because of the vast amount of history sprinkled within the tragic story. However, there are such amazing nuggets of writing, not just writing, but profound truths, to be found.

I read this chunk last week, and I had to bookmark it so I could go back to it because it resonated with me so much. This is the reason why I read classic literature. Morals still existed then. God is recognized in everything. Goodness and character is desired above all else.

Volume 3. Book 5. Chapter.3

Poverty in youth, when it succeeds, has this magnificent property about it, that it turns the whole will toward effort, and the whole soul toward aspiration. Poverty instantly lays material life bare and renders it hideous; hence inexpressible bounds toward the ideal life. The wealthy young man has a hundred coarse and brilliant distractions, horse races, hunting, dogs, tobacco, gaming, good repasts, and all the rest of it; occupations for the baser side o the soul, at the expense of the loftier and more delicate sides. The poor young man wins his bread with difficulty; he eats; when he has eaten, he has nothing more but meditation. He goes to the spectacles which God furnishes gratis; he gazes at the sky, space, the stars, flowers, children, the humanity among which he is suffering, the creation amid which he beams. He gazes so much on humanity that he perceives his soul, he gazes upon creation to such an extent that he beholds God. He dreams, he feels himself great; he dreams on, and feels himself tender. From the egotism of the man who suffers he passes to the compassion of the man who meditates. And admirable sentiment breaks forth in him, forgetfulness of self and pity for all. As he thinks of the innumerable enjoyments which nature offers, gives, lavishes to souls which stand open, and refuses to souls that are closed, he comes to pity, he the millionaire of the mind, the millionaire of money. All hatred departs from his heart, in proportion as light penetrates his spirit. And is he unhappy? No. The misery of a young man is never miserable. The first young lad who comes to hand, however poor he may be, with his strength, his health, his rapid walk, his brilliant eyes, his warmly circulating blood, his black hair, his red lips, his white teeth, his pure breath, will always arouse the envy of the aged emperor. And then, every morning, he sets himself afresh to the task of earning his bread; and while his hands earn his bread, his dorsal column gains pride, his brain gathers ideas. His task finished, he returns to ineffable ecstasies, to contemplation, to joys; he beholds his feet in afflictions, in obstacles, on the pavement, in the nettles sometimes in the mire; his head in the light. He is firm, serene, gentle, peaceful, attentive, serious, content with little, kindly; and he thanks God for having bestowed on him those two forms of riches which many a rich man lacks: work, which makes him free; and thought, which makes him dignified. 

I would like to expound upon this beautiful bit of prose. But really, Hugo says it all. Some may say that much of this is not as relevant in today's society. After all, we no longer operate under a strict caste system. But I think you would be surprised at how much of this is still perfectly applicable in our world today. Character is still grown within the individual who understand the power of hard work and a reliance on God.

The ideal life is not one filled with material things, for those are merely distractions from what truly matters in this life. Thankfulness is not born easily in the entitled, but it is born in abundance in the heart that seeks goodness and truth.

Mercy Triumphs

How quickly the weekends come and go. Our blogathon prompt for today is to review a book or movie you have read/watched recently. 

I am not a huge movie watcher, therefore I decided a book was more up my alley. My reading of late has been rather somber, as I am tackling the heart wrenching Les Miserables. 

I have been thrust onto the emotional roller coaster which comes with reading Hugo’s work. Because this is such a vast book, it is separated into smaller volumes, and then within those, shorter books. He did a fine thing to break up his work in such a way, because each segment could be studied and learned from on its own, separate from the tragedy of the whole story. 

The wonderful deeds of the bishop, though so important, I fear will be but a brief ray of light as the book moves forward in all of its heartbreak. Therefore, I think I am going to review the virtues found in the first two books of volume one. The life of the Bishop and the first meeting of Jean Valjean. 

It was during the perusal of these sections that I felt I was on an emotional and spiritual journey. Oh, the Bishop. Every good deed that I have ever done becomes nothing, every Christian act or thought pales in light of the goodness of the Bishop. The self sacrifice, the love of mankind, the sincerity of heart…. he is truly an amazing character. 

It is such a simple concept that he has mastered. That which we are all supposed to strive to do. Love one another. The bishop ached for and loved people. He gave until it hurt… and then he gave some more. From the smallest to the greatest. No one was below him.

This is the man that we know when Jean Valjean, the sad victim of a crooked and judgmental society, is introduced. 

This Bishop’s character can be better understood through the words of his sister. He was not religious. He was not to be the judge of anyone. He was to love everyone. That is all. She states, “Is this not, indeed, to understand charity well? Is there not something truly evangelical in this delicacy which abstains from sermon, from moralizing, from allusions? And is it not the truest pity, when a man has a sore point, not to touch on it at all?”

How often have we beaten the proverbial Bible over someone’s head? The Bishop, knowing well the past of Jean Valjean, made a careful effort to avoid all subjects that would touch on his past. There is an example for us to follow of a good Christian man. 

It is a wonderful thing to see how one individual’s life changes another, and then how that man’s life goes and impacts hundreds, or thousands. Everything we do makes a difference. Whether good or bad, every act, word, or deed will affect another life.

The Bishop’s last words to Jean Valjean were simple, “Jean Valjean, my brother, you no longer belong to evil, but to good. It is your soul that I buy from you; I withdraw it from black thoughts and the spirit of perdition, and I give it to God.” And that is what he did. A few poignant words spoken at the right time, but above all, action, changed the course of Jean Valjean’s life.  

As long as society treated Jean Valjean like a scoundrel and a thief, what other recourse had he then to be a scoundrel and a thief? But when the bishop treated him like a fellow citizen, called him brother, and gave him hope for a future, he rose to the occasion.

I wish I could better describe the way in which this book has been impacting me. When I go to read…. I feel as if it hurts me. If the whole story stopped at the end of book two. We would see the goodness of the bishop, and we would see the life changing moment of Jean Valjean, and we would be happy in thinking he was going to go on and do good to others. 

And so my book review for today does end on a happy note, for I am not expanding on all of the heartbreak that is to come. I merely see how a man changed another's life because he did not judge, but showed mercy.

A lesson to be learned from this book that can be transferred to this life that we lead. Love goes a long way.  There are dark characters in this book, and yet the good characters shine bright in the darkness. This world we live in is flooded by darkness. If we would stop perpetuating evil by unloving actions,by showing mercy, and demonstrating the love of Jesus, perhaps light would begin to spread from one life to another instead, just as light spread from the bishop to Jean Valjean.

Read this book. It will break your heart, but light a fire inside of you all the same.

Have you read any spectacular books lately? Seen any good movies? Link below!

Worthy of Being Pleased

Day seven of the blogathon already. I don’t know about you, but the more I write every day, the easier it is for me. I think this is a good habit we are getting into :). Today’s prompt is to pick a quote and respond to it.

There are so many wonderful quotes that I could have picked… but I am afraid I landed back on the wonderful Jane Austen in the form of Pride and Prejudice (I know, I know. You are thinking. Really? Again? But I think that this book is a masterpiece that we can learn many valuable life lessons from!). I chose an excerpt that I love from the book. Darcy’s words.

“You showed me how insufficient were all my pretensions to please a woman worthy of being pleased.” (Part 3 Chapter 16)

Define “a woman worthy of being pleased?” To what end would a good man go to find such a woman. To what end would that same man go to secure such a woman for himself?

A woman worthy of being pleased must be something. The kind that we read about in these wonderful novels. The kind that are moral, good natured, intelligent, loving, generous, sweet, educated, and yes, accomplished. These are the kinds of women that are truly worthy of being pleased. 

And what would we ask of the men who would endeavor to seek our trust, our love, or commitment? We see a fine example of this in the hero of this tale, the wonderful Mr. Darcy. He looks inside himself and finds justice in the censure he received from the woman he loves. And then he allows her words to torture and change him. He bares inconvenience, embarrassment and disgust to secure the happiness of one to whom he cares nothing for. He himself pays the debt of the one he truly hates. He stands up for his woman when others look down upon her. He bares the inequality of the connection because she is worth it. He would do anything to make that woman love him. She so far beneath him in social status and fortune, yet he feels her to be so far above him in every other way. She is truly worth it. 

And so our hero is a fine example of what a man should be. He should go to the ends of the earth for the one he loves. A woman worthy of being pleased requires above and beyond the common way of courting a woman. She requires the wholehearted attention and proof of devotion that we see demonstrated in Mr. Darcy’s love for Elizabeth. 

What quote inspires or riles you? Link below!

Who Would You Fall in Love With?

Today's post will end the first week of the blogathon. We have the whole weekend off before we start again with prompts and inspiration on Monday :)

Our theme for today is inspired directly from the heart of a lover of literature, imaginary characters, and enjoyment found in escaping into different worlds discovered between the pages.

Name your top three favorite literary heroes and why.

1. Mr. Darcy from Pride and Prejudice.

This one is a no-brainer for me. He is truly one of the most wonderful characters ever written. Tall, handsome, witty, rich, intelligent, generous, all balanced by a tasteful amount of sarcasm, pessimism, and pride (well, tasteful after Elisabeth get's a hold of his heart). Every single time I read this book I find something new to love about this character or a novel way to be inspired or amused by his behavior. Truly a wonderful hero.

2. Sir Percy Blakeney from The Scarlet Pimpernel.

I read this book for this first time at age twelve, and I am pretty sure a little piece of my heart belongs to Sir Percy, the valiant hero of the French Revolution. A more intelligent, good looking, romantic, or brave hero was never written. I have to share a quote from him to demonstrate what a wonderful character his is.(Yes, I REALLY am aware that he is a fictional character and that this was actually written by an author.... but when I read.... I become involved with the characters. They become my brilliant friends. People I learn from, respect, and sympathize with. Other readers understand I am sure). Having said that, Percy:

"And 'twill be when you understand that your idol has feet of clay that you'll learn the real  lesson of love. Is it love to worship a saint in heaven, whom you dare not touch, who hovers above you like a cloud, which floats away from you even as you gaze? To love is to feel one being in the world at one with us, our equal in sin as well as in virtue. To love, for us men, is to clasp one woman with our arms, feeling that she lives and breathes just as we do, thinks with us, loves with us, and, above all, sins with us. Your mock saint who stands in a niche is not a woman if she have not suffered, still less a woman if she have not sinned. Fall at the feet of your idol as you wish, but drag her down to your level after that - the only level she should ever reach, that of your heart." - From Baroness Orczy's I Will Repay.

 3. Heathcliff from Wuthering Heights.

Heathcliff... the truly tragic hero of Bronte's work. This character is akin to the bad boy of classic literature. His poetic nature draws the poet unto himself. And yet his dark side shuts the noble out. While reading the sketch of his character throughout the pages I love him and hate him, pity him and blame him, hope for him and then against him. It is an amazing literary creation which excites such confusion of feeling.

These are my choices for wonderful literary characters. I am curious to see what others would choose. Link below!

24 Days To Go

Thanksgiving has come and gone. Now we are well into the throws of this wonderful holiday season. The countdown has begun. Twenty-four short days to go.

Last year Cory and I read "A Christmas Carol" out loud to each other in the month of December. If you have never read the familiar story, you should. It is full of poignant words that pierce the heart with the true meaning of life.

Here is a beautiful and inspiring quote extracted from Dickens' work. I think we would all do well to take on the attitude of Scrooges nephew as we continue to enjoy this festive season.

“There are many things from which I might have derived good, by which I have not profited, I dare say,' returned the nephew. 'Christmas among the rest. But I am sure I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round -apart from the veneration due to its sacred name and origin, if anything belonging to it can be apart from that- as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable, pleasant time; the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow-passengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys. And therefore, uncle, though it has never put a scrap of gold or silver in my pocket, I believe that it has done me good, and will do me good; and I say, God bless it!”

An Out of the Ordinary Day

Creative writing continues!

Well Johnson and I had a very challenging but fun time working on our first project. I must say that my little bro's "Blue Bicycle" was so creative and heart wrenching that he really must take the cake for "A Life Changing Experience."

Apparently we are of a similar bent of mind based on the content of our two stories. Both on the melancholy side (his far more than mine), both pointing to what really matters most in life. But I suppose the topic lent itself to a more serious composition.

Just because we have taken many weeks, doesn't mean we are giving up on our creative writing challenge. I will post both of our responses to a prompt every month on the "writer's corner" page. This month is going to be, "An Out of the Ordinary Day." Easier said than done, that is for sure (not that Johnson hasn't already informed me that he has a good idea). I am still awaiting my own brilliant idea, but it will come, even if I have to force it from my mind to my fingertips.

I have a feeling the content of this assignment will be on the lighter, more amusing side. But that is just a hunch. We will see what comes of it next Wednesday.

Thoughts on Marriage (A quick ‘aside’ from our trip)

I am feeling inspired by the happiness that can be found in a good marriage at this moment. It is partly due to the level of happiness that I am currently feeling and partly from dwelling on some wonderful lines from “Pride and Prejudice” that I have taken up this train of thought. 

I was writing in my journal, effusively relaying all of the wonderful things Cory and I have been doing. Without even thinking I was letting my words flow across the page. I looked back on one particular statement that I wrote read, “we are having so much fun together. There really is nothing better than a good marriage”. And so then my journaling about places and memories progressed to ideas regarding life and marriage. I feel so extremely blessed in my marriage and I am just so thankful! 

I was reading Lizzy’s lamentations regarding her new understanding of how well her and Mr. Darcy would have fit, had she accepted his proposals. (no matter how many times I read that book, something always strikes me as new and wonderful. I really do feel like the girls from The Jane Austen book club sometimes). The description of two people, so dissimilar and yet so fitting, is beautiful. 

I then thought of Lydia’s situation. Lizzy wonders “how little of permanent happiness could belong to a couple who were only brought together because their passions were stronger than their virtue”. This description of an improper relationship heightens the idea of a happy marriage. And so we have a picture of marriage as it ought to be, with a solid foundation of virtue and a couple who perfectly balance the idiosyncrasies of their partner. 

This is a happy beginning for Lizzy and Darcy, and a happy beginning for Cory and me. A good marriage will provide many wonderful things, not the least of these being a friend to travel around Europe with; many laughs together at the expense of the crazy Europeans; a foot rub after a strenuous day of sightseeing; a work out partner; someone who will walk half a mile in the rain carrying your laptop so that you can talk to your family; someone to dance with under the stars on the top deck after recognizing the faint sound of Armstrong singing “what a wonderful world”… 

Yes… there truly is nothing better than a good marriage!