Expressions

The energy of the city was palpable as people strolled to their desired destinations that afternoon in London. An afternoon free from lectures in the course I was taking offered the opportunity for a leisurely stroll past the British Museum to a theatre whose marquee gave evidence of a matinee performance of Les Miserable. I had read Hugo’s book in high school and was familiar with the story, so I was eager to see the stage adaptation. From the opening song to the triumphant closing, I was vicariously transported to another time and place. On several occasions the scenes and music of grace and deliverance ignited uncontrollable waves of emotion as tears flowed down my face. I caught out of one eye a lady sitting two seats away who seemed taken by my emotional reaction to the theatrical events unfolding. Aware that I was being observed, I self-consciously attempted to rein in the sensitivity to the music and drama being played out before me. I have seen the musical several times since and have each time experienced the deep emotional reaction to the musical portrayal of acts of grace that offer freedom to the one being granted. I am less self-conscious these days of the way I emotionally react to life events, movies or plays. There is a degree of freedom that comes in accepting one’s emotional bent and giving oneself permission to live through the expression that embraces such an integral part of who one is. Whether the genesis of one’s emotion rests in illness, disability, loss, the receipt and or giving of grace, or moments of great joy, the acknowledgement and expression of that emotion becomes a part of living a healthy life. That moment does not become one’s life, but one’s life is enriched by living through that moment! Every moment is a gift.