On January 7, 1947, almost a decade prior to my birth, "Its A Wonderful Life", produced by Frank Capra was released. Even with its age, its recognition as a classic is profound. Jimmy Stewart played George Bailey, the main character, and it was his character that significantly touches the lives of each and every person in his little town called Bedford Falls.
The story line left me and I'm sure many others reflecting upon its meaning and its affect in our own personal lives. I can't even recall on two hands how many times I watched it. But I do remember that during each viewing I was so certain that my life had such great meaning and that life in itself was the greatest gift of all.
Obviously if I am taking the time out to write about this subject then it would be quite apparent that I am recommending you watch it as well, if you haven't done so already. In a nutshell, the story goes as follows...-
George Bailey, a kind and generous man, has given so much of himself that he neglects his own needs and desires. One of his wishes, aside from the obvious one of needing more quality time with his family was to travel, but this fantasy continuously gets interrupted due to his work ethics and commitment to his inherited and modest building and loan company. This opportunity was given to him by his kind father, whom he respectively did not want to disappoint.
The biggest competition George encounters is protecting his business from falling prey to Mr. Potter, a wealthy, scrooge-like character that is motivated to take over the town of Bedford Falls. Due to a serious error made by his uncle Billy, on Christmas Eve, George finds himself and the business in jeopardy. Billy had meant to deposit 8000 dollars into the bank, and then loses it. Ironically Mr. Potter finds it and unsurprisingly withholds it knowing that it just gave him even more power, enough power so to see George’s business collapse and further legal ramifications if the money is not returned to the bank before the bank examiner notices it missing. Now Potter finally has the power to take over the town, but what devastates George more is the effect of these consequences on his wife and children.
George begins to believe that suicide is a way out and he truly was better off dead under these circumstances. With that thought he attempts suicide, but is interrupted by an angel named Clarence who guides him through a lesson of what life might be like in Bedford Falls without George Bailey. This journey becomes mutually beneficial because if Clarence can prove to George his self worth then he can earn his wings.
In order for Clarence to earn his wings, he had to show George Bailey how important his life is because if George Bailey didn’t exist, his brother would have drowned in the ice pond and would have brought sorrow to many. If George Bailey didn’t have life, he would not have made the pharmacist aware of his mistake of prescribing the wrong medicine and a life would have been lost that would have brought more sorrow and pain into other lives along with the pharmacist job and reputation in jeopardy. George Bailey, you and me, and our life, is so important to everyone else’s life.
The inspiring lesson that George learned through this journey was that his sacrifices created a life more meaningful, a "wonderful life". The beauty of giving made his dreams that he thought were lost even more valuable. And that his life was wonderful by being surrounded by people that he had such an impact on. Knowing his effect was a gift in itself. There was a reason for failure, without it life's course would be thrown off track.
In our own personal journey with life, and as the sole driver, we must always remember our influence, our importance to the people around us. In life we have failures, adversity and obstacles. You may lose money in retirement/stock markets, lose your job, be diagnosed with a dreadful disease, get divorced or become disabled. When these things happen, while upsetting, it’s part of life, your life plan. Total happiness and success does not arrive without obstacles or failures. Rather than self pity and anger, realize that you are a beautiful person living a beautiful life in a beautiful world. These obstacles and set backs are just part of the journey. Accept that and always know what your purpose is. Your purpose is to be happy in this wonderful world. So I say to you my friend, it’s a wonderful life! and lets share it together.
