I was recently watching the holiday classic movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life”, when it occurred to me, what a wonderful life I have. If you haven’t seen the movie, it tells the life story of a man named George Bailey. After some setbacks in his business, he tells an angel that he wished he had never been born. The angel grants his wish and shows him what life would be like if he never existed.
The takeaway from the movie is the impact your life plays on those around you. Zig Ziglar said, “Give enough people what they want and you will get what you want.”
Early in life, George selflessly jumped into an icy pond to save his little brother from drowning. His brother later went on to serve in the military and saved dozens of lives. Had he not been born, George wouldn’t have been there for his brother and those men in the war would have perished. Do you put yourself above the needs of others with your selfless acts? Whose life are you saving?
As a young man, George relentlessly pursues the heart of his high school crush, Mary. He didn’t have much and was competing with a wealthier, more popular boy, but what George lacked in riches, he exuded in perseverance and tenacity. He was dedicated to winning the heart of Mary and kept his eye on the prize. Are you dedicated to accomplishing your goals, or do you give up and give in to the competition? Whose heart are you winning?
George took over the family mortgage business and helped dozens of families achieve the American dream of owning a home. George’s business wasn’t the most successful in town, but George had integrity. The angel showed him that had he not been around to give mortgages to the people of the town, it would have been overcome by an unscrupulous miser and the town wouldn’t have been the same. Whose dreams are you making come true?
Clarence the angel tells George Baily, “Each man’s life touches so many other lives. When he isn’t around he leaves an awful hole, doesn’t he?” I am so blessed because I get to change lives through my efforts and dedication to them.
As you spend the next couple of weeks reflecting on the kind of year you had, check to see if you have the compassion, dedication, and integrity of George Bailey. You just might see that you have a “Wonderful Life” too!