What I Gained from Watching “It’s a Wonderful Life”
Yes, it is January and Christmas is over, but I was inspired to watch the classic movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life” starring Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed during a conversation with my coworkers last week. The discussion stemmed from thoughts surrounding a blog post that asks, “Where are the ‘George Baileys’”? So, I decided to learn more about this character for myself.
In a nutshell, I enjoyed the movie. I found it to be intriguing and entertaining, but most of all, thought provoking. Be that as it may, I can find something profound in just about anything. Truth be told, my coworkers were amused that I gleaned seven life lessons from watching “Jeepers Creepers II,” but I digress. I was interested in seeing what I could draw from “It’s a Wonderful Life,” so I gave it a gander.
“George Bailey’s” character is evident within the first few moments of the film. He is a caring and giving person who puts the concerns, feelings, and needs of others before his own. He sacrifices his aspirations and plans for the betterment of his family, friends, and neighbors with little to no hesitation. However, he became despondent when a situation arose that he thought he could not fix. He needed money and he had no idea where to get it from. It troubled him so much that he contemplated ending his life, but even then, he saw it as a way to make things better for those he loved and cared about.
While he debated over committing suicide, his guardian angel visited him and enabled him to see his life for what is was—wonderful. He was able to see that his life mattered and had a positive impact on a lot of people and he decided he wanted to live.
The movie reminds me to be grateful for what I have, not to be discouraged by how things may look, and not to compare my life to someone else’s. Although the three things I listed are vital lessons to remember, there are two more takeaways that standout to me the most: sowing good seeds and the power of friendship.
At the climax of the movie, “George Bailey” was facing the possibility of going to jail because he didn’t have the money he needed, but that outcome was adverted because the same people he sacrificed for came to his rescue at his hour of need; which reminds me of two familiar scriptures:
“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.”
“A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: And there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.”
I am reminded that it behooves me to sow good seeds—and not grow weary while doing it, so when it is time to reap, I’ll experience everlasting life. What will you sow?…T.V.
