Rich in Friends

December 25, 2016, marks the 70th anniversary of the release of It’s a Wonderful Life. This film is far more than a charming, nostalgic, and magical look at a different time in small-city America. As a member of the struggling, small-business middle class, George Bailey stands out as a different kind of “common man,” a theme so richly explored in director Frank Capra’s films.  The intersection of an individual trying to do the right thing for the community, denying his life goals for the common good, and engaging in a class struggle in a competitive economy to protect the interests of the community’s working people represent the conflicts, opportunities, and choices all of us face in life, more especially, perhaps if we have dedicated ourselves to community building in one way or another. It’s a Wonderful Life was not well received originally, but has grown to become one of the most loved Christmas films. An individual’s unfolding acceptance of suffering and joy in his community and in his life ring true has overcome accusations that the film was a communist tool. At its heart, George Bailey’s wonderful life is the essence of learning to give and receive, of learning to be an individual who can fully share his gifts with others while graciously accepting the gratitude, love, and respect of his fellow citizens and friends.