It Really Is A Wonderful Life

Old George Bailey was having a “Blue Christmas”.  Frustrated by the hand life had dealt him, he was ready to throw in the towel.  Just as he reached the end of his rope, Clarence (an angel without wings) shows him the difference his life has made in the lives of other people.  The heartwarming tale has been played and replayed each year at Christmas time.  Though the screen shows the telling signs of an aging film as images appear in black and white, the story still relates to millions who tune in each year. 

The reason the message of the film is so enduring is because we all want to know that our lives have significance.  Perhaps because it falls at the end of each year, December seems to be the most introspective of months.  We take stock of all that we are and all that we have accomplished and wonder if it really amounted to anything.  In the end, depending on your measure of success in this kind of introspection you can be inspired or depressed.

It is at this point that we have to realize something George Bailey discovers.  The key to his life’s significance was not getting out of Bedford Falls, making money, or even the success of his little savings and loan.  The key to his success was the relationships he had cultivated with those who really mattered.  At the end of the film, person after person lines up to give some spare cash to help out the down-on-his-luck Bailey.  This is a great symbol of the richness of return that we gain when we invest in relationships.  

What creates a wonderful life is the relationships we treasure with those around us.  Be encouraged this Christmas.  You have surely made the difference in the life of others around you.  If you are beginning to think about resolutions for 2012, think about the relationships you intend to cultivate and grow in the New Year.