every time this season rolls around I watch my favorite movie of all time.
I've tried to have other favorite movies,
but nothing has ever come close to even touching Frank Capra's
It's a Wonderful Life.
I remember the first time I watched it; I was a little girl.
I loved the first half, but as soon as George Bailey sees what life would have been like if he'd never been born, I would wrap myself tightly in a blanket and try to not show everyone how frightened I was. My favorite part has always been the end when George is given his life back including the tough parts. He's so happy just to be alive that he greets everyone and wishes them the most sincere Merry Christmas.
Even the mean old Mr. Potter; who is always trying to ruin George Bailey's life throughout the entire movie- even Mr. Potter receives an enthusiastic holiday greeting from the hero of this classic film. It always used to confuse me to see my mother cry during the final moments as George Bailey sees how very blessed he is. I used to ask her if she was crying because she was sad, and she'd reply that it was happiness, not sadness that brought the tears to her eyes.
Last night as I was watching (with a large box of tissues of my own), I felt that I understand George Bailey more and more with each year. He has all of these dreams and ambitions, but he keeps finding himself stuck in a rut in Ol' Bedford Falls running his father's business. He becomes discouraged with a job where he can't make the money he imaged he'd have. He's tormented every moment by the wretched Mr. Potter. He eventually becomes so distraught that he decides it would be better if he'd never been born at all.
I was thinking about the Mr. Potters in life; things that get us frustrated and depressed. Maybe it's a bad final, or a trying experience. Maybe it's unsurity; trying to find where you belong, or maybe trying so hard to be happy and always finding yourself sad. There are Mr. Potters everywhere, to be sure.
Thank goodness for the
Clarences.
Clarence is the guardian angel who gives George Bailey the gift of a lifetime: the opportunity to see all of the wonderful things he had. George sees how wonderful his life really was; even though it wasn't the glittering one he'd always imagined.
The Clarences in life?
Family.
Best friends.
And anyone/ anything else you can imagine.
But sometimes we can be an angel to ourselves in the sense that we open our eyes to the ample blessings in front of us. The fact that we have a roof over our heads; healthy bodies that work, and families and friends who we love, and who love us. Counting our blessings is one of the best ways to see how beautiful life is.
There aren't enough blogs in the world to carry all of the blessings that we share in this wonderful life that we've been given.
Happy Sunday, dear readers.
That is such a good movie! One of my favorites is White Christmas, every year my grandma and I watch it and sing along. Thanks for reminding me to treasure the simple things. Love ya girly, let's play soon!
ReplyDeleteWe are waiting to get this one next week (via my mom's Netflix account). Jacob has never seen it and I love it.
ReplyDeletePS Girls night?
courtney- yes! We must play soon, it's been too long, lovely neighbor!!
ReplyDeleteerin- absolutely! You just tell me when you're available. I feel like such a dishwad (is that a word? it just came out) for not seeing you after living here over a year. I can't believe you have two babies. Girls night for sure.
Love, love, love this movie! And I love you're analogy. Thank you!
ReplyDelete