It's a Wonderful Life*

To all our wonderful readers: Wish you a very Merry Christmas and/or very enjoyable Holidays. 

*Originally published on December 23rd, 2010 (http://fridayreflections.typepad.com/weblog/2010/12/its-a-wonderful-life.html)

POINT TO PONDER 

“It is one of the most beautiful compensations of this life that no man can sincerely try to help another without also helping himself.”  

                                            - Ralph Waldo Emerson 

 

STORY LINE by Rajiv Shah 

My mind keeps returning to the film, “It’s a Wonderful Life.” The film’s message has stayed with me as it has with so many viewers. The message I took away was this: the truth of one’s own life isn’t in the taking, in the acquisition of more and more things, but of the giving of oneself to others. And that giving will impact those around you.

The central character, George Bailey, is not acting like his usual self in the beginning of the film. The townspeople pray to God for George. God responds by sending an angel to show Bailey the positive impact his life has made on his community. 

Without going into a full-blown synopsis of the movie, I want to pose a few thoughts: Firstly, Bailey had always wanted to travel the world, and to leave the town that he was so integral to. Secondly, Bailey regretted the things he didn’t do but never saw the positive influence he had in those around him. Why is it that the “what ifs” seem to occupy us more than the “what is?” 

Finally, the angel showed George the purpose of his life and the good that was in his life all along. 

 

REFLECTION 

The secret Bailey discovered was that you get what you give. If he had never given of himself to the community, the community would have suffered and George would have never affected the lives of so many people. The material things Bailey didn’t acquire were replaced by the wishes, love, and thoughts of those he impacted in Bedford Falls. As Bailey says at the end of the film, “No man can be poor as long as he has friends.” 

Comments

[Pinoy in Taiwan]

Nice reflection.

Someone suggested to watch ‘The Shop Around the Corner (1940)’ as a movie similar to It’s A Wonderful Life. I will find a copy and let you know my verdict.

Merry Christmas!

[NJ]

I often ask myself "why people feel good after they've done something nice to others?" This good feeling happens to many people. I don't think we learned that from books or schools. My guess is that we were born with such tendency to help others. May be helping others is part of the design when humans were created?

[Touched by an angel]

"Strange, isn't it? Each man's life touches so many other lives. When he isn't around he leaves an awful hole, doesn't he?" Clarence in It's a wonderful life

[CH Cheok]

Only 'riches' able to give. If you still have something to give away, then you are not 'poor'.

[Sam]

Thanks for sharing this life truth. Whenever we break this law, we always face the consequences. Merry Christmas to all !

[Talking from Experience]

Outstanding movie that I watch every year after Thanksgiving .
Sometimes when I feel old, frustrated and betrayed like George Bailey, I have to reflect on the big difference I made .
Everything considered and staying focus on what we do best, , we can all choose to have a Wonderful life.
My Merry Xmas & Happy New Year to you & family . Best Wishes for 2015 !

[Give give promoter]

simple, painless, inexpensive and 100% guaranteed solution to get rid of all, let me repeat ALL, the miseries of the world that we see is to change from "take-take philosophy" which is prevalent among almost all of us to "give-give philosophy" which is practiced by a very few noble souls. If this wisdom is understood and accepted as a day to day, working attitude by people across the world, I guarantee that we will no longer desire to see paradise - we will be already living in it!!