OPINION
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It ’ s A Wonderful Life
BY JOHN JOLLIFFE
The 1947 Frank Capra Classic , “ It ’ s A Wonderful Life ,” has made its Holiday seasonal return to the small screen . I
encourage you to download the movie , or watch for it in your local television listings . It ’ s a wonderful time to see , “ It ’ s A Wonderful Life .”
This movie fantasy is the story of a small-town banker whose attempt at suicide is foiled by his guardian angel . Frustrated , the banker laments that the world would be a better place if he had never been born .
This gives the guardian angel ( named Clarence ) an idea . With a nod of his head , he announces to the banker , “ You ’ ve been given a great opportunity – a gift – to see what the world would be like if you had never been born .” The rest , of course , is movie history .
The message of this film is forever timely . It reminds us that each life is connected in one manner or another to every other life . And as John Donne said so long ago , “ No man is an island .” We are reminded that everything that exists is accounted for – every hair on our head is numbered , nothing is valueless or irrelevant . The existence of each and every one of us is intentional and important .
Because our world is so big and our universe so vast , it may seem sometimes that no single life can be all that valuable . Yet , precisely because our world is so big and needy , each life becomes all the more important . Our lives have unique significance .
Life has a way of preparing each of us specifically for our role in the grand scheme of existence . If we were all as useless , insignificant and replaceable as we sometimes believe , how could the grandeur of the greater good ever be realized ? Without you and me , who would sow the seeds , turn the soil , water the seedlings and encourage the growth ?
Consider Two Thoughts
1 . Ponder how your life was enhanced by some significant “ other ” – a parent , sibling , teacher , coach , neighbor or family relative . Their contributions to your life continue to shape you in invisible ways . Consider how your life would have been different had they never been born . As people contribute to your life , they return a portion of the sacrificial investment others made for them .
2 . Consider how the lives of others would be altered if you had never been born . Each person makes a direct or indirect impact upon the lives of those they contact . Who would not be here today if you did not exist ? What impact have those you raised had upon the lives of others ? How much suffering would not have been relieved ? What work was accomplished that would not have been done in the same way that you accomplished it ? Don ’ t take yourself and your impact so lightly .
In the movie , “ It ’ s A Wonderful Life ,” Clarence had only advanced to the rank of “ Angel , Second Class .” However , he offered this first-class summation : “ Each person ’ s life touches so many lives that when he or she isn ’ t around , it leaves quite a hole .” In a variety of ways , you make an indirect contribution to the lives of people you may not even know .
As you reflect on the turns your life has taken in the past year and plot your course for 2021 , give thought , then reach out to many of the people who have contributed to your life .
John Jolliffe is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist . You can listen to his extensive archive of radio therapy , and read more at John ’ s website : JohnJolliffe . com
CANDACE ELIZABETH / SHUTTERSTOCK . COM
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