I had never seen, "It's a Wonderful Life"... until last night.
I know, it's a crime! A Christmas classic film and I went 35 years without watching it. I'm not sure why I never saw it. Too busy watching Charlie Brown's Christmas or something.
In any case, when I got home last night from a holiday party, I plopped down on the floor in front of the TV to get all my presents wrapped and I turned to a random channel. I landed at the very beginning of, "It's a Wonderful Life" and since it seemed appropriate for present-wrapping, I stayed there.
Well, my presents were completely wrapped in about 30 minutes, but I was hooked on this classic movie. I didn't know that it was so funny for one thing! And beside that, there was a part of my soul that was really tuned into the message.
By the time the movie was over (3 hours later) I had gone through half a box of kleenex and I knew why I had waited 35 years to watch the movie. I understood... I needed to wait until now to truly understand.
As I watched George move through his life, not reaching his dreams, feeling stuck in his town, finding himself in a job he would not have chosen... I understood. Been there, done that, George.
But then, as he finds out that his life touches others in ways that are irreplaceable... well, that's when I had to get the kleenex box out. Because I finally figured something out about my own life (and apparently it took me 35 years). The path I'm on is the path I was meant to be on. I didn't screw up, miss the boat, get stuck, or otherwise ruin my life. My life is exactly what it was meant to be. And all the people that I've connected with on this path were meant to connect with me.
I've never believed in coincidence. Now I understand so much better than I ever have how very important every person is that I meet. Whether it's for a minute or a millenium. That is what this holiday is going to be about for me. My connectedness in other people's lives and their influence in mine.
So thank you, all of you reading this. You have been an irreplaceable part of my path. And I'm so very grateful that I have had the gift of being a part of yours.
It is a wonderful life.
I know, it's a crime! A Christmas classic film and I went 35 years without watching it. I'm not sure why I never saw it. Too busy watching Charlie Brown's Christmas or something.
In any case, when I got home last night from a holiday party, I plopped down on the floor in front of the TV to get all my presents wrapped and I turned to a random channel. I landed at the very beginning of, "It's a Wonderful Life" and since it seemed appropriate for present-wrapping, I stayed there.
Well, my presents were completely wrapped in about 30 minutes, but I was hooked on this classic movie. I didn't know that it was so funny for one thing! And beside that, there was a part of my soul that was really tuned into the message.
By the time the movie was over (3 hours later) I had gone through half a box of kleenex and I knew why I had waited 35 years to watch the movie. I understood... I needed to wait until now to truly understand.
As I watched George move through his life, not reaching his dreams, feeling stuck in his town, finding himself in a job he would not have chosen... I understood. Been there, done that, George.
But then, as he finds out that his life touches others in ways that are irreplaceable... well, that's when I had to get the kleenex box out. Because I finally figured something out about my own life (and apparently it took me 35 years). The path I'm on is the path I was meant to be on. I didn't screw up, miss the boat, get stuck, or otherwise ruin my life. My life is exactly what it was meant to be. And all the people that I've connected with on this path were meant to connect with me.
I've never believed in coincidence. Now I understand so much better than I ever have how very important every person is that I meet. Whether it's for a minute or a millenium. That is what this holiday is going to be about for me. My connectedness in other people's lives and their influence in mine.
So thank you, all of you reading this. You have been an irreplaceable part of my path. And I'm so very grateful that I have had the gift of being a part of yours.
It is a wonderful life.
3 comments:
Ok, I now grabbed the tissue after reading this. I'm so grateful for you in my life. You make me think in ways that I wouldn't without your nudging. And it IS a wonderful life...every, every day.
Well, you've sure got the whole family single-handedly keeping Kleenex in business after that post, including me.
Ann, I love your guts! And, you have been such an integral part of my life and helping me reach for my dreams. Thank you, thank you! I can't wait to see you on Christmas!
That is a great movie. It's been a while since I've watched it but not quite 25 years. :) I'm glad that our lives have been connected through Robyn. The few short times we've been able to spend together have been great. I look forward to much more family togetherness in the future.
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