Most of
us have seen the classic holiday movie “It’s a Wonderful Life.” A lot
of us have seen the film many times (Full disclosure: I just saw it last
night for the 30th time!) because it tells such a timeless and
compelling story about how any one life can positively impact so many
others.
For those who have not seen it, “It’s a Wonderful Life” is
the story of George Bailey—a man who serves and sacrifices for others.
The Bailey Building and Loan lends money to poor people many of them
would not own a home were it not for the BBL. Mr. Potter, the arch
villain in the film, is a greedy old man who thrives on exploiting
people in Bedford Falls. He continually threatens the Bailey Building
and Loan’s survival.
George
Bailey is in conflict between his obligations and his dreams—He wants
to get out of the small town of Bedford Falls (George remarked, “ I want
to shake the dust off my feet of this shabby little town and see the
world. I've got big ideas and big plans and I want to build big
things.”) And as he said to his father at dinner one night—“I want to do
something big and important.” His father replies: “In a small way we
are doing something important—man has a fundamental urge to own a roof
over his head.”
George’s ambitions are thwarted by old man Potter’s schemes. After his Father died George is on his way out of town. In a character defining moment George agrees to stay dashing his dreams of far-flung adventure—creating instead a more intimate adventure that has a far greater impact on his personal world.
The
film shows that real influence comes not from title or rank (as George
had no formal title in the town such as Mayor) but from attempting to
connect and help the people around us.
The movie also shows us that as we make ourselves available to others with courage and caring our
lives develop meaning and a legacy is created, not necessarily along
the paths we intended but in small acts that make a difference. George
Bailey shows that if we respond with generosity and compassion our
lives would have meant something. But he didn't realize this fact until
the end of the movie.
Scene: George, faced with financial and personal crisis and feeling that he never made it. He attempts suicide and Clarence his guardian angel (Read: life coach) gives him a privileged look at the impact of his life on the people in Bedford Falls
George Bailey only understands the dramatic difference he made when he sees what Bedford Falls became had he never lived.
Scene: George, in desperation and shock is walking along the snow-covered streets of what is now called Potterville—a town overrun by greed and selfishness.
Clarence says “Strange isn't it, each man’s life touches so many other lives and when his isn't around he leaves an awful hole.”
Scene: George, in desperation and shock is walking along the snow-covered streets of what is now called Potterville—a town overrun by greed and selfishness.
Clarence says “Strange isn't it, each man’s life touches so many other lives and when his isn't around he leaves an awful hole.”
In one
of the most famous (and emotional) scenes in movie history: When the
townspeople all came to George's house to contribute to the BBL deficit,
George finally understands how his life of service has created deep
commitment to him from the town’s people (when he was in need) even
though he didn't know it.
George has a wealth far beyond material goods or power. Frank Capra reminds us that there is no substitute for relationships of integrity, trust and caring. Relationships that are forged through consistent acts of service.
George Bailey had created an enduring legacy because of his acts of caring, compassion, and courage.
Cheers to a New Year and another chance to make a difference in people's lives.
Peter Mclees
Email: petercmclees@gmail.com
Mobile: 323-854-1713
Cheers to a New Year and another chance to make a difference in people's lives.
Peter Mclees
Email: petercmclees@gmail.com
Mobile: 323-854-1713
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