Lessons from George Bailey

 I recently watched the classic, and beautiful movie, 'It's a Wonderful Life'. I can't count the number of times I've seen this movie, but I grew up with it with my family watching it nearly every Christmas Eve on TV. I declare its my favorite movie, and my favorite Christmas movie. I watched with my dear sister when I was over at her house, and what better way to enjoy this season of Advent and upcoming Christmas season than to watch our favorite classic movie. Surprisingly, I got some new insights watching this time around. Maybe because there were no commercials, and I could focus more on the intricate details that I normally miss. I've memorized this movie, with all its characters and lines and intonations, yet missed some fascinating details along the way.

For instance, flowers. They show up in the beginning/middle part of the movie and something I had never really consider before. They're a certain kind if flower- rose and even lily like at some parts. There's a garden when the protaganist, George Bailey and Mary Hatch are meeting again as young adults after the high school dance graduation for his younger brother. And then similar flowers show up again in a rose garden like way in front of Mary's house when Geroge is 'perusing' passed, but not wanting her to notice as well as not quite sure where his life is going (You have to see the movie to understand). 

Once they get married, she's wearing a similar flower to before on her vest jacket on her wedding day, as well as when George and Mary have their first dinner together in their abode of a home after they are married. To me, these details symbolize hope, opportunity, and good things ahead. These flowers don't show up again, and I feel these purposefully show up in the in youth. 

To continue, there are framed pictures that I never fully notice before in George's childhood home. It's his last night before heading off to college and the night when he decides to attend the high school dance from his brother's graduating class (and where he re meets Mary Hatch). His last night or so George thought, he was eating dinner with his Father and talking about George's plans- attend college and travel and do big things. His father seemed a bit forlorn, and has been keeping up with his business, and seems a bit disappointed that his son won't take on the business ,but doesn't force him at all. Behind them, are two framed pictures and each have a couple of butterflies displayed. I immediately got the idea that this could easily symbolize both of them 'flying their wings'. (Spoiler alert: Mr. Bailey has a heart attack and dies soon after), and George is put into a difficult position of taking over his Father's job for his business instead of going to college. Also, the framed pictures of butterflies looked nearly identical, so like Father like son. 

Throughout the movie, and into the middle, George has strong feelings and experiences of being stuck, with the obviousness of his job, and with Mary Hatch (expected that he has to marry her..) But the expected was also unexpected and so much better than anticipated or imagined. 

He was the richest man in town because he was generous, a leader and truly cared about people and the community of Bedford Falls. He made a difference and an impact where he was. He didn't realize his oath was meant to be so simple yet effective. Mundane and hard, sacrificial, but beautiful and joyful. He was the most blessed by it and others. And in the end, he was the most passionate with God's plans for him, the happiest and most fulfilled. 

Merry Christmas!!

My favorite moment