George Bailey became an utterly relatable character to me last night. After a nice dinner, my parents and I found ourselves amongst many other folks in the holiday spirit and settling in for a showing of the beloved classic "It's a Wonderful Life".
George's character had big dreams and high hopes of leaving his hometown behind, seeing the world, and generally being successful. These big dreams and high hopes match my own fairly fantastically. Throughout the film George continually jumps hurdles and overcomes obstacles. The motivation behind the decision to stay and face these things was largely due to the people in his life. Time after time he postponed seeing the world to help and share with those around him. By the end of the film George realized that even though his big dreams and high hopes played out differently than he wanted he was still a success and that his life was wonderful as evidenced by the lives he touched. He is even told by his guardian angel, Clarence, that, "no man is a failure who has friends."
People, be them friends or family, make my world go round. For every big dream or high hope I have for my future, nothing is as beautiful or motivating as those near to my heart. After the credits of the film had rolled I had two experiences with folks near to my heart. First, as I was leaving my seat I spotted a teacher friend of mine from high school. I called out to this man and he happily leapt across the aisle to converse with my parents and me. Through several hugs and numerous stories I felt my heart swell for such an unexpected opportunity to catch up. The second experience was a conversation with my cousin about the power of hope, specifically in a situation involving others that we love and care so much about.
For as scary as some dreams can be and for as often as I am confused about the direction I am headed in life, at least I have friends and a home. Strong, real, adventurous, hilarious, and supportive friends. Even if I never own my own business or never live in Colorado I will not call my life a failure because I have friends. My friends, my family, are what make my life a success.
"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, It's a Wonderful Life
