Dillon Community Church

From the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life,” a famous scene is when George Bailey is sitting with his daughter, Zuzu, who won a flower at her school. He had just had about the worst day of his career and life, dealing with the quintessential evil villain of the town, and looking at financial and reputational ruin. The joy of his little girl’s flower was lost on him. He distractedly placed broken petals in his pocket and embarked on a journey that night that took his whole life into account.

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He sought adventure but was shackled by responsibility. He desired unknown places but was surrounded by family and community (again responsibilities) and traditions, along with a hometown and business that felt like drudgery and meaninglessness. He thought of his life as a wasted one. He was trapped; disappointment was a crippling aspect of his life – missed opportunities for an ambitious man.

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The theme of the story was that, in the end, he had everything important in life. His journey with the Angel, Clarence, took him into what the world would have been like without him to care for those he loved, the town he thought he hated, and the importance of that “responsibility” he so wished to escape. His influence on the lives of people was epic, and he learned his role in life was imperative. He was loved deeply and respected fully.

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I watch this movie every year, as a reminder that, when life might not seem to be what we hoped or expected, the journey God has us on is maybe not about us. Maybe it’s about doing God’s work and seeing the ripple effects of our faithfulness. Maybe it shows us that responsibility is what forces us to look outside ourselves and onto the faces of Others.

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Zuzu’s petals, removed from his pocket, reminded him of what mattered, broke his heart, and restored his soul.

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What “petals” has God placed in your pocket to help you acknowledge meaning in life?

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Merry Christmas – may you discover God’s treasures through the miraculous birth of our Savior.

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Jude Mitchell
Church Lady