As we work our way into the Christmas Season, I thought we’d take a look at some of those Christmas classic movies we all love. Certainly at the top of my list is It’s A Wonderful Life. Dear George Bailey truly portrays a lot of us – our problems reveal what’s truly going on in our hearts!
Throughout the whole story, George is stuck in a life that he would not choose. His sights were set on seeing the world and building skyscrapers, but instead he inherits the headaches of the Bailey Building and Loan Company, building homes for the poor residence of Bedford Falls.
Near the end of Clarence’s (the angel) crash course concerning his soon-to-be charge, we see a happy George. His dear wife Mary has turned the haunted mansion into a lovely home and God has blessed them with four beautiful children. He’s full of holiday cheer and is proudly proclaiming the recent honors given to his kid brother, because of his heroic deeds as a World War 2 jet fighter.
Then it hits, like the blizzard in Rudolph’s day! Uncle Charlie loses $7,000 – the deposit for the week. George starts out being patient with his hair-brained uncle, but when they can’t find the money, the ugly side of George Bailey appears as he literally shakes and threatens his aged uncle.
It’s an ugly scene. The only solution seems to be suicide, and then the fun begins. Enter dear Clarence, and his wonderful idea to show George the world without George Bailey.
As we follow the progression, we see a familiar path – a path that may mirror a path of our own. First, a problem that we think we can solve. Then frustration and anger when no solution appears no matter how hard we try. Next comes panic as we think of the ramifications of the problem. What will I do? This can’t be happening, and then we may make serious wrong choices. Suicide, divorce, theft, denial, running away… Often our acid actions are flung all over those we love the most, burning them with angry words, bad attitudes and caustic replies!
Unfortunately, the holiday season can bring so many reasons for frustration – the first step of a wrong path. Last week, I was facing a hectic day, which I wasn’t really looking forward to living! I was tempted to start the day on the wrong foot; but as I talked it over with my heavenly Father, I was ashamed of my bad attitude. I determined that morning to live the day for my Lord! Do you know how many times I had to wrestle that decision back to its proper place?!
That’s when we learn something very important about ourselves. What stuff are we made of? What character have we developed, but most importantly, how deep are our anchors? How real is my faith? How close is my relationship with Jesus Christ?
When George prayed in the bar, he later joked that the punch in the mouth was the answer to his prayer. He was right, but it was just the beginning of a nightmare!
Can we trust God when He sends what seems to be just the opposite answer of what we were expecting? That, my friend, takes a lot of faith and trust. It is during those times when we anchor ourselves in the facts that we know about God. He is ALWAYS good. He ALWAYS does what is best. He ALWAYS loves me more than I will ever comprehend! There is no situation too difficult, no waters too rough for our ‘God-anchor’!!!
“Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast…”
Hebrews 6:19
(next time: George’s ugly side. part two! 🙂 )
Beyond Common Sense 