Coloring Outside the Lines

Last night, after making what I believe is my new favorite tofu dish (recipe coming tomorrow!), I got completely enthralled by what seemed to be the most ridiculous movie in the entire universe.  It was so good.  I couldn't stop watching it.  I have no idea why or what about the movie sucked me in, but it got Jesse too.  We ended up watching the entire thing.  We laughed hysterically.  We I cried.  It was weird.  There were random cartoons.  Kind of like one of those movies you think people who do drugs watch.  Except there was so much substance.  

Ramona and Beezus.  That was the name.  Based on a children's novel, the story revolves around the Quimby family.  When the father loses his job, Ramona does everything she can to help save the family's house- from selling lemonade to offering car washes.  Problem is, Ramona tends to make a mess out of things.  She is always bothering her older sister Beezus and getting herself into trouble.  In short, she is different.  She strays from the norm.  And that, often times, creates issues.

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Finally one night, Ramona and Beezus find themselves needing each other's comfort.  Beezus finally tells Ramona how she really sees her-

"You're your own person.  You don't care about coloring inside the lines.  You think being different is bad, but it's not.  You don't care about what other people think.  That makes you brave." 

I'm not certain that is an exact quote, but it is close.  I love the message the statement sends.  Being different and being yourself makes you brave.  You don't have to conform to society's expectations.  Conforming, in fact, is cowardly.  And being true to yourself opens up chances otherwise lost.

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Despite troubling times, the family manages to have fun, laugh and still live their lives richly in spirit.  They make the best of the situation.  Especially Ramona.  She never gives up hope.  Even though she can be troublesome, she ends up being the driving force behind what finally saves their family.  It is an amazing story.  I adore how Ramona was a trouble maker who found the solution.  A person who was different and was criticized, but then her differences inadvertently helped her and her family.  I thought it was amazing the perseverance the family showed through hard times and struggles.  You never would have known the troubles they faced if you encountered them on the street.  They made the best of their situation, both with their troublesome daughter and with their financial issues.  I felt like I learned so much from this movie, I couldn't help but share it with you. 

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I just couldn't help but be reminded by this movie that no matter your situation, no matter your struggles, it is how you handle them that defines you.  You can handle tough times with grace, faith and joy or you can let them bring you down.  It is your choice.  To let happiness shine through or be shut out.  We're all going to get down every now and then, but finding the little things that make us joyful and laugh is so important.  We shouldn't allow ourselves to be irritated by small inconveniences.  Instead, we should laugh, clean up the spill, and move on.  It has been said a thousand times.  There is no use crying over spilled milk.  Quite true, and also applicable to much more than just spilled milk.