One of my all-time favorite movies is the classic It’s a Wonderful Life. Millions of people around the world watch this movie every Christmas season. Why? Not only because it’s a great story with relatable characters, but because it represents one of the most basic truths about life: the value of friendship.
If you’ve seen the movie, you’ll recall the basic plot. The main character, George Bailey, feels like a failure because he’s spent his life working at his father’s Building & Loan, and never getting to achieve his dreams of traveling the world and being involved in what he perceives as a more successful career.
One day, it all comes crashing down when his Uncle Henry misplaces $8,000, which sends the business’s finances into a downward spiral. The only way George sees out of the mess is to take his own life by jumping into the river. Clarence the Angel saves George and gives him the priceless gift of seeing what the world would be like without him. As a result, George comes to realize what a difference he’s truly made in countless people’s lives.
The final scene shows the townspeople coming to George’s rescue, donating more than enough to make up the $8,000 loss. On the pile of money, George finds a copy of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, miraculously placed there by Clarence. The inscription reads, “Dear George, Remember no man is a failure who has friends.”
What a powerful reminder during this season when so many people struggle with depression and sadness. Although Christmas is a time of joy and giving, the honest truth is that many people listening to this episode are struggling just to make it through this season.
Maybe this year, your expectations have been dashed or you’ve experienced failure of some kind. Maybe you’re struggling to get out of bed each morning, wondering why you should continue putting in the effort. Maybe you, like George Bailey, mistakenly think the world would be a better place without you.
I’m here to tell you that you can’t begin to imagine all the good you’ve done in the world.
Book sales, business, client contracts, social media metrics, podcast downloads, and income can all go up and down. But if you have friends, you’re indeed a rich man or woman. Don’t ever believe for one second that you’re a failure. We need your gifts, your talent, and your writing in the world.
So, if you’re going through a hard time, keep your chin up. Keep pressing on. Even on your worst day, remember that your friend Kent Sanders is here on the Daily Writer Podcast, cheering for your success and rooting you on!
Question: If you had the same chance George Bailey did, to see what the world would be like without you, would you take it?