This Christmas season I was able to enjoy several shows that dealt with the theme of redemption. This inspired me to explore the value of living life as if you were given a second chance. In the dictionary one of the definitions for redemption is: an act or instance of bettering, improvement.
The shows I watched were: “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” “A Christmas Carol,” and the musical “Les Miserable.” All of these works are about redemption and all of them inspire us to take advantage of the opportunity for a second chance. Each of the main characters change because of the love for a child. Improving a relationship is often the essential feature of redemption.
When I was a little boy my favorite holiday story was How the Grinch Stole Christmas. What I admired most was that the Grinch transformed himself and became good. The memorable quote is, “And what happened then? Well in Whoo-ville they say, the Grinch’s small heart grew three sizes that day.” In the final scene he redeems himself with the child, Cindy-Loo- Whoo.
In A Christmas Carol, Scrooge must visit with the Ghost of Christmas Future. Only when faced with the reality of his own inevitable death does he repent and become a different person. He takes advantage of his second chance on life and redeems himself with the child, Tiny Tim.
In the film Les Miserable the hero, Jean Valjean, is an ex-criminal who promises to care for the orphaned child, Cosette. He is willing to risk his own life to fulfill his promise of redemption. All of these characters teach us the awareness of a second chance. To learn that life is an opportunity not to be wasted, and to experience the transformational power of love.
A worthwhile mental exercise I recommend to you is to imagine the end of your own life. Pretend you are visited by the Ghost of Christmas Future. What you will realize in this exercise is that in your final hours the only thing important to you will be your relationships. If you can only make one call it will be to someone you love, not to your stockbroker.
With this mental exercise, you can give yourself a second chance. What would you do? What do you need to say, and to whom? How could your life be different? Which relationship in your life needs to be repaired? Imagine the passing of your life, but don’t wait for your opportunity for a second chance. You have it today.
At the end of Les Miserable the main character, Jean Valjean is on his deathbed. He confesses to his adopted daughter his past mistakes and asks for forgiveness. As he dies he sings this final lyric: “Take my hand and lead me to salvation. Take my love for love is everlasting. And remember the truth that once was spoken. To love another person is to see the face of God.”
Matthew McQuaid, DPM is a board certified foot surgeon practicing in Lakeport. He has a particular interest in Mind/Body medicine and its impact on healing. He is an award winning author and teacher. Please share this article with a friend. For more information please call 707-263-3727 and visit www.drmcquaid.com
