after two failed trips to the louvre (1. we went there on a tuesday, THE LOUVRE IS CLOSED ON TUESDAYS 2. we went there too late, the queue was closed and was 3 hrs long), we finally managed to get tickets and actually step into the museum. it was insanely crowded, and EVERYTHING was in french, i didnt understand a single thing. so it was, needless to say, not a very exciting experience for me.

i dont appreciate art. so i saw the mona lisa today, so what. so i saw venus de milo today, so what. its not something that's gonna go down into my diary as one of the most memorable days in my life. something struck me today as i was weaving through the crowds of people - why are all these pieces displayed in the louvre considered great pieces of art? the museum contains everything from egyptian antiquities to paintings and prints - but who chooses these pieces of art? what differentiates a piece in the louvre from a piece done by a layman artist? i, honestly, cannot for the life of me, tell the difference.

haha. since i have so bravely admitted that i cannot appreciate art (the kinds of 'art' i do appreciate are vastly different from what is enshrined in art galleries and museums), i do believe that many people who are reading this are going 'omg. bimbo alert! uncultured!' (dont even try to deny it) i can hear your thoughts. haha.

beauty is in the eye of the beholder. give me a loved one and an afternoon chat over coffee and ice cream and i'd jump at it over a once in a lifetime chance to see the mona lisa. give me my Bible and a powerful message from Pastor and i'd pick it over catching a glimpse of the venus de milo any day.

i can imagine my conversation with a dedicated, skilled artist who understands and appreciates every single one of these works of art.

artist: dont you see it? that.. _______ in the painting? dont you see that it's beautiful? The depiction of a woman whose expression is often described as enigmatic, the ambiguity of the sitter's expression, the monumentality of the half-figure composition, and the subtle modeling of forms and atmospheric illusionism? dont you see it?

me: what? i dont see anything but a woman that, in my opinion, isnt drawn quite right. she looks like a man.

artist: what about that piece over there? the amazing, detailed sculpture? The twisting stance and strong projection of the knee, as well as the rich, three-dimensional quality of the drapery, are typical of Hellenistic art of the third century BCE and later. Moreover, the sensuous juxtaposition of flesh with the texture of drapery, which seems about to slip off the figure, adds an insistent note of erotic tension that is thoroughly Hellenistic in concept and intent.

me: i see it's arms are missing.

i have no doubt that this artist would be speechless at my replies. and yet if he loves art as he claims he does. if he really appreciated the joy and fulfillment he receives from admiring these great pieces of art, and believed that everyone could find that same joy in knowing these art pieces as he does, he would take time to explain these pieces to me. the history of it, the nuances, every single tiny detail, till i admitted that the mona lisa is not just the mona lisa, that venus de milo is not just the venus de milo - not for his own satisfaction, or to have the 'right' to go 'AHA! TOLD YA SOOOO!!' but just so a fellow human could share in this joy that runs so deep in his soul.

that's pretty much the same for 'us Christians'. on behalf of us all, i apologize if we sometimes come across too strong. if we say the wrong things, if we judge, if we display behavior that is most unlike that of a child of God. there might be the occasional ones that hides the heart of a pharisee and tells the gospel story for his/her own gain. but trust that we arent all like that. when someone tells you about the love of Jesus, would you listen for just a moment? put aside all your pre-conceived notions of Christian propaganda and how its 'all about the numbers'. because for most of us, that's not true. for most of us, we just want you to know that same joy that we felt in our hearts at the instant we said yes to Christ. we want you to know that the journey is sweeter and more wonderful with the Lord by your side. we want you to know that you dont have to be alone. we want to let you know that we are praying for you. and if one day you accept Jesus into your heart, it is not our victory. we do not snigger at one corner and go 'aha! that fool finally admits his wrong', neither do we parade you like a prize we have won for ourselves and boast that we have 'won this one to the fold'. the Lord is the Giver of all things. it is He who moves hearts and not we ourselves. it is He, we are merely the messengers.

since its 230am and im really sleepy, im gonna end soon (sorry for the messy rambling guys). i thought my ipod got stolen yesterday..and i was sad for an hour or so. but then my mom found it! and i suddenly understood the parable of the prodigal son. all the angels of heaven rejoice when one soul enters the Kingdom of Heaven. so maybe, could you give 'us Christians' the benefit of the doubt? that its not just a numbers game, and we arent trying to -force something on you-, but perhaps, maybe, just maybe, we really do just want to bring this message of joy that permeates our entire being, to your heart. (:

happy new year everyone..its a new beginning. (: