How to make a difference, in this one precious life.
During my husband's midweek absence on a business trip, a sudden impulse took hold of me. I whisked away our 13-year-old son for an unexpected movie outing. Persuading him wasn't easy; I had to promise it would be worth his while. Knowing his keen interest in history, I painted the film as a tale from World War II. However, my motivation wasn't solely driven by historical intrigue, despite my military background. Deep within, I felt drawn to what spiritually inspired this extraordinary individual, one whose essence touched my heart.
That movie, "One Life," had been circulating for some time, perhaps familiar to a few of you. Yet for me, it held the promise of uncovering the spiritual courage of this remarkable human being. As we settled into our seats, little did I know that this cinematic journey would etch its mark upon my soul, leaving behind a mosaic of emotions and newfound insights.
For those that haven't seen "One Life" it is the remarkable movie portraying the heroic efforts of Nicholas Winton in 1938. As the narrative unfolds, we witness the harrowing circumstances faced by families in Prague, grappling with the looming threat of Nazi invasion.
Nicholas Winton, a young London stockbroker (played by Anthony Hopkins), finds himself thrust into this world of starvation, freezing temperatures, homelessness, desperation, and fear. It's a pivotal moment when he encounters the dire conditions endured by those who have fled the Nazis in Germany and Austria, their lives hanging in the balance. To add to the horror, the majority of them are children, as their parents have already been captured by the Nazis. Among the countless lives touched by Winton's compassion, one particular aspect stood out for me—the story of the 9th train.
Although Winton had successfully maneuvered the British government and raised money, visas, and foster families to get the children out on eight previous trains, the final train - the 9th train, scheduled to transport 250 children on it never arrived. It represents a haunting reminder of the lives that couldn't be saved, the futures that were lost. Yet, amidst this sadness and tragedy, there is a profound lesson to be gleaned.
In reflecting on this metaphor in our lives, we often find ourselves fixating on the "9th train" moments—the what-ifs, the regrets, the losses. We dwell on what we haven't done, what we've lost, or what we don't have. It's easy to become ensnared in a cycle of negativity, allowing these perceived failures to overshadow our accomplishments and the blessings we possess or what we have done.
Towards the movie's poignant climax, amidst the haunting echoes of the 9th train, Nicholas experiences a heartrending revelation. As he stands face to face with the adults that were once the children he rescued, an unexpected wave of emotion washes over him. In that moment, the magnitude of his actions dawns upon him, as he realizes that the 669 children, he saved have now blossomed into a community of over 6000 individuals, encompassing their own children and families.
This pivotal scene becomes a catalyst for Nicholas' healing journey, marking a profound shift in his perspective. Through his story, we're reminded of a universal truth – that even in the darkest of times, amidst horror and sorrow, there exists a glimmer of hope. Just as Nicholas learns to embrace the victories, however small, we too are urged to recognize the profound impact of our own actions, no matter how humble they may seem. It's a powerful lesson in resilience, compassion, and the enduring ripple effects of kindness in amongst great tragedy.
Winton's story serves as a beacon of hope, reminding us of the transformative power of compassion and the ripple effect of kindness, resilience and courage. It prompts us to look beyond the darkness of the 9th train and instead embrace the light of the other 8 trains—the lives that were saved, the futures that were preserved.
As we navigate our own journeys, let us heed the lessons of "One Life." Let us strive to emulate the courage and selflessness of Nicholas Winton, choosing to focus not on what we couldn't do but on what we can do. For in doing so, we honour the legacy of those who came before us and pave the way for a brighter, more compassionate future.
In the words of Nicholas Winton himself, "I work on the motto that if something's not impossible, there must be a way of doing it." May we carry this motto in our hearts as we journey forward, determined to make a difference—one life at a time.
In conclusion, as my son and I walked out of the movies, we couldn't stop talking about the film. We discussed what we loved, what touched us, and what it meant to each of us. It resonated with us on multiple levels and we both loved it. When he got home, he spent 30 minutes researching as much detail as he could about Nicholas Winton, even calculating what fifty pounds for each child's visa would be in today’s money - there's an interesting school history lesson right there! His life was deeply impacted by that movie, as was mine.
For me, it left me pondering what my "8 Trains, Spiritual Life" legacy is going to be.
My two questions for you are:
a. "Is there anywhere you need to shift perspective?"
b. “What is your 8 trains, one precious life legacy?"
I'd love to hear what that may be!
Until next time, many blessings and much Aroha.
Rachel x
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