“It’s a Wonderful Life” tries to answer the question that we’ve been asking for so long. Exactly how much of a difference is one individual making here? They seem to ask it at funerals. A listing of accomplishments in order to show how much a person will be missed. I know I’ve asked it before of myself. And sometimes I’ve been so frustrated at life I have wished I had never been born.
Clarence, the novice (wing-less) angel, yet ironically… a worthy teacher to the downtrodden, shows George exactly how Beford Falls would have changed if George had never been born.

“One man’s life touches so many others, when he’s not there it leaves an awfully big hole.”
–Clarence

We do find out that George has touched a great many lives…who have touched other lives. What a difference a person makes. And sometimes I wonder if I really am making a difference. Especially when others speak negatively of me. I have to shrug it off and move on. It’s their problem. Mine is not to try to please them. Mine is to live the very best I can live. I’ll admit that I’ve failed to live up to my own and God’s expectations.
And I do feel like I am making the world a better place. Anytime the kids at church tell me that they learned something in Bible class. Or when a kid tells me they wouldn’t have come to Bible camp if I hadn’t invited them. Or when I receive those goodies kids give their Bible school teachers…. Somebody is listening and if they are listening perhaps they will make the world a better place. Part of my drive toward life is trying to make the world better. Trying to do good each and every day.
I took a college personality test for job prospects one time. The test results showed that I should be a caregiver…doctor…nurse….or a minister. Any job involving blood is just way too gross for me. So I look to the ministrial role…and think I’m not good enough to be a full fledged minister. So I try my best in a limited role, yet in somewhat of a leadership position….performing ministral duties.
Potential discouragement comes with the territory. When someone is seen as somewhat of a leader, they have a larger target on them then those who are transparent or stay in the background. I found that out this year.

“Remember George, No man is a failure who has friends.”
–Clarence

Friends keep you going. It is true about failure and friends. Just by having friendships makes you an influence on someone’s life. And that’s what makes someone accomplish positive things in life, if they choose to.

“So this is Christmas, and what have you done? Another year over. A new one just begun.”
–John Lennon, “Happy Christmas”

Perhaps Lennon was asking the same question George Bailey was asking. Its the end of the year and what goodness have you provided to the world. Perhaps it is to take stock on what have we done.