Lessons from George Bailey

The first time I saw, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” I was in college, watching it during the Christmas break in the late 1970s. It was released in 1946, yet this dated, black and white movie, left an indelible mark on me. Why had I never seen or heard of it? Not very popular when it first was released, it is one of the most well-loved Christmas movies of all time.

George Bailey, played so well by Jimmy Stewart, has a vision for his life. He wants to travel and experience the world and shares his plans with others as he holds tightly to his travel brochures and his dreams. He believes there is more to life than Bedford Falls, New York. We see at the beginning how passionate George is about his plans; his energy is palpable.

George is kind and compassionate, smart and well-read, and cares deeply for others. Throughout the movie, he puts others’ needs first. And so, after his father’s death he stays in Bedford Falls to run the family’s savings and loan business, helping its residents live their dreams of home ownership, while sacrificing his own. He never does get to fulfill his adventurous spirit. George is a giver.

Then there is Mr. Potter, the greedy, self-serving, rich, and dominating, antagonist. He owns the local bank, and a large portion of the town’s real estate. He gets what he wants by intimidation and corruption. He refers to the Italian immigrants George helps as “garlic eaters.” His actual words are that George is “playing nursemaid to a bunch of garlic eaters,” a reflection of his bigotry and intolerance of those who are different. Everything Mr. Potter does is for Mr. Potter. Yet with all his wealth, he is portrayed as a miserable man. He views the popular, resilient, George, as a threat, and opposes him at every opportunity. Mr. Potter is a taker.

You know who wins. It’s the person who cares, gives, and is concerned for the welfare of others. For George, it is providing loans for his community, mostly immigrants, to build homes and achieve financial independence. When the Martini family is able to purchase their home, George celebrates with them by giving them a loaf of bread, salt, and wine, all symbols of a full life. And later in the movie, when George is struggling, the Martini family, among others, is there to help him. George is overwhelmed with gratitude, as his brother, Harry says, “To George Bailey, the richest man in town.” Richness that is gained from generosity of oneself.

As we think about our environment today, it is obvious that there are parallels. Is someone better off because of an act of ours? Are we bringing others together rather than tearing them apart? Are we givers? When we give, however small, we can make a profound difference in another’s life. We receive a “helper’s high,” a positive sense of satisfaction after performing an act of giving, as we make a difference in another’s life. It is a win-win all around.