“You did not choose me but I chose you and appointed you so that you might bear fruit-fruit that will last so that whatever you ask in my name the father will give you.” John 15:16
On Christmas Eve, for many years from the time my daughters were very young, our family enjoys watching the movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life”. A beautiful story that begins with the journey of a young man, named George Bailey, who has big dreams of leaving his small town of Bedford Falls, in hopes of exploring the world and finding happiness. He works and saves his money and puts all his energy to make his dream a reality. In the midst, a young, little Mary, whispers to him, “George Bailey I will love you until the day I die”, but George is oblivious to anything to do with Bedford Falls, but talking about and living out his dream. His father manages a loan company to help citizens who would not be able to get a loan from a regular bank, to buy a home and make their dreams come true. In the town lurks, as George said, “A frustrated, mean, old man.”, Mr. Potter, a loan lender, who strongly opposes Mr. Bailey lending money with no collateral and only a promise and good intentions of people. As George Bailey’s life unfolds, many things happen that change the course of his life and those around him. His life dream to leave Bedford Falls comes to an end and instead George stays and helps people when they need him, falls in love and is a kind friend to all. Then one day, through the actions of a partner things go very wrong, putting George in a grave position that may land him in jail. Deeply discouraged and afraid, George wants to end his life. An angel Clarence appears and grants George his wish, “It is better to have never have been born”. The angel grants George his wish. An angel Franklin tells Clarence, “At exactly 10:45 pm tonight, Earth time that man will seriously be throwing away God’s greatest gift”. What is life’s greatest gift?
Meanwhile, as George is on brink of losing all hope of wanting to live, he prays desperately and says, “God I am not a praying man but I need your help.” As soon as George prays an angel is sent to him and his prayers answered, not in the way he would expect but in the best way possible for him to find meaning in his life. Your life has value and touches another. You may or may never know the power your presence can have on another’s life but God does. In your daily life, your actions and words have meaning and have the potential to influence another’s life. God has placed you there at that moment and time for a reason. You may feel discouraged if life doesn’t go the way you planned. Many have suffered disappoint and loss. One of my dearest friends was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 29, it was devastating for her. I stayed alongside her and recall her strength and gentleness through it all. I remember asking her if she was afraid and she said, “No, I have faith in God and will fight to live”. That moment will remain with me forever. For many years, her death confused me and I felt sad without her but I remained close to God and prayed. She was a humble and courageous soul that touched so many lives. I believe in her ordinary life, she was a missionary of God’s love. God makes all things for the purpose of His good. The path may not always seem wonderful, but it is made gentler and perfect for those who believe. I have come to learn, the more you let go of your plans or ideas in life and instead try to seek God’s will and plan for you, the more you live in true fulfillment. When things don’t go the way you expect, pray. Allow God’s mystery to unfold.
Do you wonder if there is more to life? With God there always is. Love is our destiny. What if you see your life as a one that will touch the lives of others in a powerful way? What if instead of seeing your life as an empty glass you begin to see it a glass being filled with God’s living water? This can help you see people, situations and life around you differently. Think of a moment you have been a blessing in another’s life in a thank you, a tear, a smile, a hug, a kind thought that helped another. That is a glimpse of God’s love. The more we give of ourselves to help others the more we live in happiness and peace. God gives us the opportunity to live the happiest life we could ever imagine. We can have it at this moment and not wait for the tomorrow.
In the end when George realized his immediate grave situation was not a summary of his life but a catalyst to realizing how beautiful his life truly was. George realized he truly had a wonderful life. He served the poor, the needy and those who would have been homeless or abandoned. His service and generosity towards people changed their lives and his. Clarence the angel helped him see how different life would have been without him. Our life is measured is not by the material things we have accumulated but by the love we have shared and the beautiful friends we have helped. We can serve in many ways, in prayer, in an act of kindness, in listening, in being alongside one another, in helping the needy or a variety of other ways. God awaits to open your heart to new love. Whatever the way, God wants you to use your gifts in ways that flourish and are in service of others. Loosen the rope that ties you to dreams that are less than the miracles God has for you. Clothe yourself with joy by seeing the people in your family and people in your lives as a precious and your role in helping each one that crosses your path. See the world as a beautiful place in which you play an incredible and special part in. Begin with prayer and invite God to help.
Like George you may feel you are not a praying person, but God doesn’t need a lot of fancy words, just a simple one, “help”. The closer you get to God, the closer you get to living the life your were created to live. A life of utter peace and joy. A truly wonderful life.
Merry Christmas,
Our Nourished Soul