Thread by @MikeBosack

For as long as I can remember, I have watched #ItsAWonderfulLife every year on or about #Xmas eve.

Folks have asked me if the repeat viewing gets repetitive, but the truth is that the film always seems to offer me new lessons at each stage of life.

Allow me to offer a few...

When I was a kid, this scene taught me the importance of speaking up when you know something to be wrong, no matter how young or junior in position you may be and no matter the reprisal you may have to endure.

And of course the movie offers young viewers the plain but important message of selflessness over selfishness, which plays out in so many scenes...

It also teaches that money doesn’t equate to a person’s value.

Certainly, Mr. Potter was a stark example of someone wealthy but morally bankrupt.
(For any who argue that this represented a socialist slant, Sam Wainwright is still a good guy in the film though plenty rich).

As I grew up, I began to notice more subtle messages; e.g. service comes in many forms, not just military service (George couldn’t fight in WWII due to disability).

I was in the AF but know never to privilege my military service over others’ service to the country/community.

There was also the challenge to prejudice & elitism. While Capra didn’t tackle the issue of color, he showed Potter’s disdain for the “garlic eaters” & the willingness to exploit/marginalize immigrants & the poor.

George’s long struggle to oppose Potter resonates to this day.

A few years ago, I was lucky enough to have a good job in Tokyo, and I finally noticed this small detail: “All you can take with you is that which you’ve given away.”

It reminded me of the importance of charity—not necessarily giving money, but personally investing in others.

Not long ago, I had to make an important decision about my career. The path I didn’t take would have meant more money, but this scene👇 always stuck with me.

Morals over money. Principles over pay.

It’s a lot easier to do when you have a solid support base, which leads me to...

...the importance of a strong family in living a principled & just life.

George Bailey had a family who returned his love & support tenfold, no matter how drafty the house was.

I’m lucky enough to have that too, in part because I waited to ‘lasso the moon’ for the right gal.

Of course, there are many more scenes I could share, but I’m curious to know what resonates with others out there.

I encourage you to RT or Reply with your own favorite lessons or moments from #ItsAWonderfulLife...

In the meantime, #MerryChristmas to you all!