My all-time favorate movie is “It’s a Wonderful Life” with Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed. I totally agree that it is sentimental (read sappy) and idealistic, but I love it anyway. It remnds me of positive memories of past Christmas holidays and conveys some important truths.
As the movie opens, we see scenes from George Bailey’s early life, where he dreams of a life of success and travels around the world, building big buildings and bridges. He gets married and has children, but several life events destroy his dreams of success.
Already bitter and depressed, a financial mistake pushes George Bailey over the edge and he goes out to attempt suicide. At this point, an angel named Clarence, shows George the many ways he has positively touched others during his life. George finally realizes that he has had a rich and wonderful life.
The movie illustrates several truths:
1. Our lives often take a different course than the one we planned or dreamed, and sometimes this is a good thing.
2. Our most important actions in life may be the ones that received the least attention.
3. A life is better measured by the number of other lives positively touched, than by the projects completed or the money earned.
4. Life itself is a wonderful gift, and should not be ended prematurely. Suicide is always a permanent solution to a temporary problem. The pain is just passed on to those left behind
This week, look for opportnities to positvely touch those around you. It truly is a wonderful life.
Question: Have you gleaned some particular wisdom from a movie? If so, please share it here.
I saw a movie last weekend with the same message “Five people you meet in heaven”. Truly left me with the same impact this one has. You may think your life is unimportant, but the truth is that your life is impacting someone else,hopefully for good. Everyday is an opportunity to be impacted by someone or to touch someone yourself.
The message is the same, and an imprtant one to remember. It puts each small moment into perspective.
Terry
“This Is Our Time”…a movie about five friends who graduate college and start living their lives. Two are “successful” and two become missionaries and one cannot get a job in his chosen field and works at a coffee house. The point of this movie is that success is not measured by money or fame or how the world sees you, but by what you do for others and for God right where you are right now. Awesome message!