The other morning, an interview with some actor came on and the journalist was asking him about how he used to practically live on the street and now he's got more money than he could have ever imagined. He humbly agreed and made a comment regarding that the money almost embarrassed him. She suggested he could give it away if he didn't want it. *What?*
That isn't exactly what he said. He made his point more clear, indicating that the money isn't what made life worth living. Obviously he needed money to eat, live, etc...but the amount he made is what he was referring to. Not money in general.
It made me think of my favorite movie and NOT because it's this time of year: It's a Wonderful Life. If you've never seen it, shame on you and go rent it right now. They don't play it as much as they used to.
I absolutely love it. It has been a favorite of mine for a very long time. I remember pulling out the sofa bed when I was young, because it would come on late at night and I didn't have a television in my room, and I'd watch it over and over.
James Stewart is phenomenal as George Bailey. He portrays someone who had definite dreams growing up of what he was going to do with his life. As life often does, it throws him numerous curve balls and he takes a road he had no intention of taking. He gets married, runs the family business, isn't making hardly any money - and what he did make is lost by his Uncle Billy. At the point all the money is gone, he comes to the realization he is worth more dead than alive. He feels like he's made poor choices and there's no way for him to improve his life. He's down too low. How could he possibly start over at this point in his life? He's not a spring chicken any more, has a family counting on him...he becomes overwhelmed and decides to give up.
Or at least that's his plan...
Instead, he's sent an angel to show him what life for those he loves, and even those he's simply acquainted with, would be like without him.
You see, the movie isn't just about George not following his unrealized 'dreams' ... or what he always thought his dreams were ... it's about what impact his life has on virtually everyone else in his life and how he becomes so bewildered and buried with all the 'little' burdens that he becomes oblivious to the multitude of wonderful things around him. Think about it. Put something as small as a pencil right in front of your eye and you can't see the magnificent sunset. It's easy to let negative things compound on us and that's what he did.
He discovers there are people who depend on him as part of their life. Not 'depend' as in it's a burden to him, but rather how fortunate he is to have people who adore having him in their lives. He's been too busy thinking about what he doesn't have instead of everything he does have, but doesn't appreciate. He realizes that even though his life isn't what he'd planned, it's more than he could have hoped for.
His house, material possessions, lack of money...all of it became more than enough once he realizes he has people around him who love him unconditionally and completely. His impact on those around him, not just his immediate family, was tremendous and it stunned him.
I completely believe we impact those around us. Even the stranger who looks up from a bad day and finds a smile looking at them. Yep...it's the positive little things we simply have to let in.
FYI, there's a book called The Five People You Meet in Heaven that touches on the same sentiment about how we impact people - strangers to us - without even knowing it. It's a good read.
But back to the movie...it renews my spirit every time I see it. It's long, yes, but it's worth watching. Especially if you are taking for granted all the gifts in your life. Or, if you're thinking you have no gifts.
Sometimes it takes actual effort to see what's right in front of us. Move those little pencils. Focusing our vision far away disables our nearsighted view. We aren't going to be given the opportunity George Bailey was given. But, second chances are sometimes available from those who love us. If you are lucky enough to get one...take it.
Believe me, I know. I experienced the lowest point of my life in 2009. I had the choice to fold and give up or pick myself up and move forward. I chose to not just move forward, but dedicate myself to becoming a better person. The kind of person, wife, mother and friend I want to be and one people would enjoy being around. Especially considering I'm a mom and have two little ones watching every move I make. My attitude, choices, everything impacts them. It has a way of forming the type of adults they will become.
Am I the person I want to be? I'm getting there. I definitely like myself a lot more than I did a year ago. I'm actually proud of myself from time-to-time. That's not to say I'm perfect. Ha! Far from it. I slip. I act in ways I wish I didn't. But I remind myself I'm human, I apologize sincerely to those my poor choice/behavior affected and then - and here's the tough part for me in the past - I move on. I try. Again...not perfect. But I'm aware now.
George Bailey I'm not. But...I no longer need an angel to come show me all the wonderful things in my life I should appreciate. I know. I believe I am on the road to my own Wonderful Life.
Here's one of my favorite scenes. It's when he realizes he wants to live.
Here's hoping you are aware of all your gifts in your life.
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