Last night my wife and I watched the Christmas classic "It's a Wonderful Life". We have watched this movie pretty much every Christmas of our married life. This movie holds a special place in my heart.
The first time in my life that I ever watched it was on May 8, 1980. How could I possibly remember the exact date that I watched this movie and why was I watching in in the month of May?
Well May 8, 1980 was the last day I spent as a full time missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. That night the thoughts that were running through my mind were "Did I do enough?" "Did I make a difference". I'm sure our Mission President, D. Keith Barber, knew what we were all feeling and thinking. He sat us down, turned on the TV and VCR and showed us the movie. Watching it that night brought me peace and gave me encouragement to continue to do the best I can with my life.
Thirty-six years later I still love watching it. The movie causes me to reflect on all the wonderful people who have influenced me in my life. Friends and family members who have helped shape me into the person that I am. So many people, now spread throughout the world, that have influenced me in small, yet very significant ways.
I know that sometimes the Christmas Season can wear a person down. The winter blues come into play and can cause a person to battle depression. Just remember what Clarence, George's guardian angel, wrote in the book "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" that he gives to him: "Remember, George: no man is a failure who has friends."
I promise that everyone who is reading this that already knows me has touched my life in many ways, in ways you probably do not realize. So when you feel discouraged, which is normal in our lives, just remember you are not a failure because you have made a difference in my life. My personal love and gratitude to each of you.
For those who are reading this who do not know me personally I promise you that there are people who you have touched because you were in their life at a particular time. Our Heavenly Father places you at a particular place, and a particular time, to meet the needs of one of His children. You do make a difference.
Keep smiling. Life is good. In fact it is wonderful!
Submitted by: James Tanner
