If we could see things
from God’s point of view
we might begin to grasp
we live a wonderful life after all.
*
Everyone should see the original Frank Capra’s classic, “IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE”, with Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed. (there is a colorized version available also)
The question of the ages-
“Does your or my life really matter?
Would it change your perspective on life- if you saw the consequences of your absence from this life?
The movie begins with “George” in crisis! We hear different voices praying earnestly to God: “God please cut George a break, he’s a good man…. “God please help Daddy”….. “I love him- help my husband, dear Lord”.
God hears and responds by sending a very eclectic angel, Clarence, who needs to earn his wings by helping George understand the intricate, wonder-filled value God places upon his life. George Baily has grown up in Bedford Falls- a small, insignificant town- a seemingly small, insignificant life. But George has big dreams and is determined to pursue them. “Life” steps in and waylays his dreams of an “important life” and and a series of mishaps lead him to the brink of scandal and financial ruin. He contemplates ending his life, believing everyone would be better off without him. What happens next is my favorite part!
God gives Clarence permission to show George what life in Bedford Falls would have been like if George had never been born!
We seem to understand, on a basic level, that our decisions and choices impact lives for the positive- or the negative. But we can’t see the eternal “domino effect” of our choices. George learns, and I believe God wants us to know, that He values our small, seemingly insignificant, self-sacrificing choices and He uses selfless, loving actions that then resonate and ripple throughout history.
There is a reason you are here- alive- at this moment- at this time- placed in your family and community!
The Creator of the Universe has plans for you. You are not a random accident of time and chance! You are created for His purposes and you are His treasure!
Like George,- I knew (or thought I knew) the LIFE I wanted! I pursued, chased, planned, dreamed about living a “wonderful life”. However,
“Life in a fallen world” introduced me to: death, cancer, separation, depression, anxiety, illness, pain, downs syndrome. All these things and more- stepped boldly into my life and changed my “plans and dreams”. But bigger still is the glory and grace of God working in a frail, broken vessel.
Even when Life isn’t all so wonderful-
we can still L I V E a “Wonderful Life!”
Surprising Treasures: God uses ordinary men and women, with ordinary, unspectacular lives, with seemingly insignificant status- to be a conduit of love and good in this fallen world. I’m not sure it matters “WHAT” we live but “HOW” we live. Let’s go live and give a Wonderful Life!
I’ve only seen this movie 10 million times! It always get’s to me when George’s brother says at the end, “to my brother George, the richest man in town”. Love it! God’s love through family and friends.
Us too! The first 2 or 3 times when it was on TV- (not video or DVD) we only caught parts of it or came in the middle of it. When we finally saw the whole thing- start to finish- I was hooked. There are so many memorable parts in the movie—it really portrays LIFE. Family and friends are truly one of God’s amazing treasures. hugs Lori!!!
Black and white, colorized, either one… I can’t remember how many times the Lord has used that movie to remind me that my life matters. Not sure why I sometimes begin feeling insignificant, but it happens and the Lord has used George Bailey to get things back in focus. The only problem here in KS is that the days have been in the upper 60’s. I need eggnog, cold, windy, snowy weather in order to really enjoy “It’s a Wonderful Life’s” full benefit…
I KNOW~ First snowy evening, you start a fire, I’ll get the eggnog and we’ll kick back and watch it, laugh and cry together. hugs-
Hey, you are downstairs on your computer… I am upstairs on mine…
Has it come to this? Flirting with your husband by way of your website?
Hmmmm.
I like it… You are a treasure trove!
Indeed it’s a wonderful life!
I love, love , love this movie. I wished there were more movies like this I look forward to watching every Christmas
Me too Charlene- I’m kinda of a purist- I don’t like a lot of the “knock off- copy-cat” versions- Jimmy Steward and Donna Reed are the real deal. And Mr. Potter- ewwwww- wish we could cozy up and watch it together. Did you ever see an old movie (not cartoon) called The Fourth Wise Man? It was great but I loaned out the video and can’t find it again- I think it had Omar Shareef sp? in it. hugs to you
No Cindy I never saw the movie of The Fourth Wise Man. Sounds interesting though
This is one of my favorite movies…I cannot believe I did not watch it for the first time, until I was in my 30’s!
I know- my hubby and I only saw bits of it for 2 or three years and finally, when we saw it, it became something so special to us. Thanks for commenting Melody- you’re entered into the drawing. 🙂
No matter how many times I see this movie I cry like it’s the first. We watch it together every year.
Us too Linda- so many wonderful messages- portrayed so clearly- you’re entered into the drawing too 🙂
Mom- Another great post. I love how you said that we cant see the eternal ”domino effect” of our choices. We must live our lives as if every choice we make can really make a difference in someone’s life, because they can. Thanks for the simple, but important reminder.