Two questions to think about (answers below):
- 1) Does your life matter?
- 2) What and who have you served?
I cannot remember the first time I saw Frank Capra’s Christmas classic from 1946, It’s a Wonderful Life. It was probably when I was in high school. But I loved it from that first time, and I’ve watched it countless times since.
Tears well up in my eyes throughout the movie—I can’t help it. Jimmy Stewart’s portrayal of George Bailey is endearing and realistic. In fact, I don’t know of many movies there the character is quite as realistic as George is.
He’s got all of the great characteristics of a movie hero: he’s honest, willing to sacrifice, loves his family, dreams big, and stands up for what’s right.
But he isn’t perfect. He longs for something more in his life; he becomes frustrated, angry and even desperate.
He rides a roller-coaster of emotions just as any real person does in any real life.
And in his darkest hour, when all seems lost, he gets two gifts. First he sees what the world would be like had he never been born, showing him the impact of his life. Next, the man who was always sacrificing for others had others sacrifice for him.
Two answers to think about:
- 1) Yes, it does! Every life touches every others’ life, for good or bad. Your life matters more than you will ever know! [Go watch Andy Andrews talking about the butterfly effect.]
- 2) Sorry, but I can’t answer this one for you. A hint: “If you go looking for a friend, you’re going to find they’re very scarce. If you go out to be a friend, you’ll find them everywhere.” – Zig Ziglar
Now go watch It’s a Wonderful Life again or for the first time. And may you have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Note: This article will appear in the December 2010 issue of the Tri-City Review.
PS – Here’s a little bonus they can’t print in the paper…another fond memory of MTV’s Liquid Television (SPOILER–Don’t watch if you haven’t seen the movie!):
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