I wouldn’t say I’m a big movie fan. I’m very picky about what I watch because I know movies (as well as anything we see or listen to, what we read, our music, the games we play) can have long lasting effects on our perspectives—our thoughts–emotions–attitudes–moods. James Stewart is one of my favorite actors, but to this day I remember the effects of watching Alfred Hitchcock’s, The Rear Window starring James Stewart. I lost several night’s sleep over that one. But I do enjoy some of the oldie goodie, black and white films. Classics. Did you know that the all time chick flick, You’ve Got Mail came from a 1940’s movie called, “The Shop Around the Corner”, starring James Stewart and Margaret Sullavan? It’s worth watching. Actually, “The Shop Around the Corner” inspired a musical film in 1949 called, “In the Good Old Summertime” with Judy Garland and Van Johnson. Also worth watching.
Like I said, I’m not a big movie buff, but last night one of my all time favorites was on TV. “It’s A Wonderful Life” is pretty much a Christmas staple. I usually watch it at least once before Christmas. I missed it last year, so when I saw it was on and Bruce seemed (may have pretended) to be half way excited to watch it with me, we tuned in. It’s interesting how you can watch a movie over the course of years, and yet see new things each time you view it. Last night was no different. Probably because it’s been a couple of years since watching it, there were certain things that grabbed my heart. Plus I’m getting a little more “sappy” the older I get. Hopefully, I’m just more sensitive and empathetic to the tough stuff people go through.
Each character in the movie is vital to it’s success and worthy of review, but I don’t intend to review the entire movie; just share a few thoughts.
Mary. I admire Mary and aspire to be like her. She was a woman who knew what she wanted and would rather do without if she couldn’t have it. No substitutes for her. But the good news is, she got her heart’s desires. She got her man, her house and she filled that big old house with children… and love. She was committed, hardworking, encouraging and a praying woman. I liked that she prayed.
Then there was George. Also to be admired. His desire to do what was right and honorable…to honor his parents and do what was right and good for his family and the town won out over his strong desire to leave home and “see the world”. He selflessly gave up his own agenda to do the right thing. He loved Mary, but Mary and marriage interfered with his agenda…his plan for his life. But love took the upper hand. Like his wife, George too was committed and hardworking, but he carried the weight of it all on his own shoulders. I’m not judging George. He’s like a lot of us. Even those of us who know that the Lord wants to do the work through us, with us, carry us and the load, give us the ability and enablement and wants us most of all to communicate with Him. We still try to go it alone sometimes. So for whatever reason, George didn’t actually turn to God and ask for his help until he was totally desperate. The good news is that God answered.
There are so many “favorite” parts in this movie for me. The scene where the cute little blonde, Violet, is walking down the street and George compliments her dress. Her comeback, “What, this old thing. I only wear it when I don’t care how I look.” Classic. Then there’s the part when George and Mary are dancing the Charleston and Mary’s jealous date hits the switch that opens up the gym floor to the pool below. There’s George and Mary dancing away oblivious to how close they were coming to falling off the edge into the pool, and thinking they were a hot item ’cause everyone was watching them. I hold my breath every time…then…in they go, and they keep on dancing. Too funny! And, of course, there is the overall pervading truth that God answers prayers. He sent help in answer to prayer. God answered when George prayed for help. And God answered when others interceded on George’s behalf. Never underestimate the power of your prayers…for yourself and for others. I have experienced both. I am alive on this earth because God answered my prayers and the prayers of family and friend’s who stood in the gap for me. I am grateful.
As wonderful as this movie is, I look away when the scene comes where Mr. Gower smacks George around. Hurts too much. I don’t watch when George hits bottom and realizes he can’t fix it all. Too hard on my emotions. But I tune back in emotionally when Clarence begins showing him what it would be like if George hadn’t been born. Amazing.
Don’t think for a moment YOUR life hasn’t touched the lives of many for the good. You are here for a purpose–to love this world with the love of our Lord and Savior Jesus, Who’s birth we celebrate this Christmas and Who’s second coming we are preparing and earnestly looking for.
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Merry Christmas and a super dooper God blessed, prosperous year ahead to you all,
Love, Janice
