Lessons from history...and It's A Wonderful Life.
One of my wife's all time favorite movies is this 1946 Frank Capra classic starring Jimmy Stewart. I too, enjoy watching this movie every holiday season and am reminded of several key messages as the film touches on many life celebrations and challenges. Just think what life in Bedford Falls would have been like without The Bailey Building and Loan Society.
It's a Wonderful Life effectively touches upon one basic truth of life that we all would like to believe -- that each of us, no matter how apparently insignificant, has the power to make a difference, and that the measure of our humanity has nothing to do with fame or money, but with how we live our life on a day-to-day basis. It's a Wonderful Life asks and answers a question that all of us think of at one time or another: "What would this world be like if I had never been born?"
George Bailey lived by a creed that always placed human need above riches, and, as a result, his only wealth was in his friends and family.
Mr. Potter, on the other hand, used his considerable wealth to bleed the citizens of Bedford Falls dry. The Bailey Building and Loan Society was the only institution in town that he didn't own, and he'd do anything to get his hands on it - lie, cheat, bribe, and steal.
Despite the schemes that Potter devises to destroy George Bailey, the Baileys always seem to end up on top.
Although the predominant tone of It's A Wonderful Life is upbeat, Capra effectively captures the darkness of George's mood as his mounting personal and financial troubles plunge him into an abyss of despair. Those who mistakenly think of It's a Wonderful Life as all light and sunshine forget the grimness of certain later scenes, especially those that culminate in George standing on a bridge, contemplating suicide.
I like to think we all play a significant role in the lives of those around us. We all make a difference!
As we rebound from many of the day to day challenges and obstacles we face, always remember that we do make a difference.
As we focus on the tasks and challenges of the present, remember the past and don't stop thinking about tomorrow...
Whatever your role, whatever your responsibility, I hope that at the end of the day, you count your riches in the likes of George Bailey!
John Nitzken, Principal Broker of John Nitzken REALTORS Louisville, KY
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