Beauty in Discipline

The following is my energized response to watching The Last Samurai this past Saturday night (I hadn't seen it before then).

Praise God for His gracious teaching to me tonight through the movie The Last Samurai!  I have been so astounded over the years at the things God has enabled me to see and learn through select Hollywood films.  So tonight, I give thanks, praying that He will grant me the grace to remember these lessons, and I write as much as I can at this late hour, with still much to do.

Honestly, I think the first thing that struck me was the rugged handsomeness that was the length and style of Tom Cruise's hair - but that is not what has left the deepest impression, rest assured.  What wasn't included in this movie of so many of the things  that thrill me to the core?!  Linguists, language and culture acquisition, ethnographic studies, lush, pure beauty (in both humans and nature), admirable discipline, focus, dedication to and striving for perfection, the dearness and power of children, submission to God's will, deepest respect and honour shown to those whose position commands it, living and dying for what is good, acceptable, and perfect. 

I have never seen so profoundly the beauty in discipline and honour and it has inspired me wildly.  In response I want to lay aside every weight... (Hebrews 12:1).  I want opportunity to do everything I just read in Romans 12.  I want to attack my to-do list with all diligence (for they are all good, necessary things).  I want my home to reflect in cleanliness and order discipline and hard work.  I want my diet to reflect discipline, moderation, not being enslaved to anything.  I want to be fit and strong enough to face all of the physical demands upon me, which would in turn prevent the pain from creeping into my back.

What I am most thankful for is a deeper reverence for God as modelled in the people's respect for the leaders and emperor in the Japanese culture.  It is a tragedy that North American culture has lost all regard for due respect.  In the assembly at school just the other day, a certain teacher had to go around reminding all of the guys to take off their hats.  So many of them talked and laughed throughout the concert of this renowned Japanese school band.  Their performance was the result of hundreds of hours of practice down to minute detail.  They honoured us with their art and we spoke over them and clicked away at our phones.  Disgraceful.  How do you teach that to teenagers whose own parents disrespect their kids, each other, and themselves day in and day out?

I cannot linger.  Must continue on.  But before I go, to be honest and comprehensive, never have I been so struck by the attractiveness of a Japanese man.  I guess there was his wonderfully masculine outward appearance, but then also the fact that he personified wisdom, strength, and meekness, appreciating art, beauty, and conversation.  He is also the lead in one of my other favourite movies, Memoirs of a Geisha. 

It would seem, because of its beauty, that the Japanese culture and I have need to become better acquainted.