It really is a ‘Wonderful Life’

The movie “It’s a Wonderful Life” is one of my all-time favorites. It is a classic and has everything a great film needs.

There is romance, adventure, “amazing” pre-Star Wars special effects, and even angels. More importantly, it provides a critical reminder that every life is precious and every life touches the lives of many, many others.

The main character, George Bailey, teaches us sometimes people lose sight of their value. Under certain conditions, just about anyone can get to a point where they feel they have failed and everything seems hopeless, or, as George Bailey puts it, “Maybe it would have been better if I had never been born!”  

Fortunately, George Bailey, with the help of a bungling angel, a Christmas miracle, and a few friends, discovers his life really is wonderful. George begins to understand his simple, daily life has tremendous impact on the people around him. He realizes how horrible the world would be without him and how much he is deeply loved. 

Let me encourage you to reflect upon this lesson as we journey through the holiday season. You are valuable! What you are doing is important. You are making a difference. You are part of something bigger than yourself, and your life has a positive effect on more people than you imagine.

This is good news. Be a good Wingman, and share it with others, because there are members of our Air Force family who wrestle with despair, lack of purpose, and uncertainty. Remind those who are going through hard times there is meaning to life, there is still much good in our world, and simple acts of charity and goodwill can make a tremendous impact on the people around us. Show them they are loved and appreciated, and if necessary enlist the help of additional resources, such as friends, chaplains, first sergeants, and mental health practitioners.      

Thank you for serving our country, for leading, and for caring. It is people like you who make me believe it really is a wonderful life. Merry Christmas!