Remember that ending scene in "It's a Wonderful Life" where Jimmy Stewart is scanning the many faces assembled in his living room, realizing that his life has touched all of theirs in wonderful and life-changing ways?
I tear up every time I get to that part. Every time.
It's such a timeless message: we all touch other lives in ways we'll never even comprehend this side of heaven.
Jimmy got to see his worth only because an angel intervened in his life and granted him his wish. The angel, Clarence, said, "You've never been born. This is a chance to see what the world would be like without you."
Have you ever thought about the impact of your life?
Oh, not just the meal that you brought over to a sick friend, or the encouraging word you spoke the other day to a stranger.
I mean, the entirety of your life.
I ask myself that question a lot, particularly as I approach (in a few years) my sixties.
Has my life counted? Has the quality of my character, my work, my relationships really changed the world?
Will I leave a legacy of good works long after I am gone to heaven and forgotten?
"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people. . . " (Galations 6:9,10)
Hi Dena -
ReplyDeleteI also get teary when I watch that movie. It's human nature to wonder if our lives have made a difference, especially as we get older.
Thanks for a thoughtful post.
Blessings,
Susan :)
It is human nature. But some people manage to rationalize their lack of "good works" by hard circumstances, family pressure, etc. I hope I listen to God and obey him first.
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