Miller Minutes: Finding the joy in the company of others
Christmas really crept up on me this year.
As I write this edition of Miller Minutes on Christmas Eve, I’m reminded of all that I DIDN’T accomplish this season. Not to be Charlie Brown, but one ever talks about the disappointments and sadness that can accompany Christmas cheer.
When I start to feel like this I’m often reminded of the film “It’s a Wonderful Life.” I learn something new every time I watch it. Usually I start crying the minute Harry Bailey comes home and raises a glass to his big brother, but this time, I got teary eyed even earlier.
When George Bailey experiences a world in which he was never born, a world where he doesn’t exist, he runs back to the bridge where he first met his guardian angel and starts to pray. As he prays, it starts to snow, and someone calls out his name, bringing him back to reality.
George rejoices at the sight of his friend, and despite the fact that his family business is crumbling and he may go to jail, he reaches for the one thing that matters: his daughter’s petals in his pocket. Zuzu’s petals serve as a lifeline throughout George’s mystical experience. They are a reminder that he was not alone, despite how he felt.
George is saved by his friends at the end. He’s reunited with his family. It doesn’t matter the failures he encountered. It doesn’t matter that he couldn’t find the missing $8,000 on his own. Because no man is a failure who has friends, “It’s a Wonderful Life” ends happily.
What’s remarkable about this film is how the lessons it teaches are still relevant to us almost 100 years later: community can overcome all hardships. We will rally around you in your time of need and show you help was always there. When I realized that truth to this story, I felt a little better, and I hope pointing it out can make others feel better this holiday season.
So if you’re feeling low this weekend, go where your community is and be lifted up. There are a few events going on where you can feel like you’re in a Frank Capra film.
The Butler YMCA has a packed schedule this coming “Kids’ Mas” weekend. From 12:30 to 3 p.m. Friday, Dec. 27, children age 5 and up can come swim, do crafts and play gym games to give parents a night off. Cost is $5 for members and $10 for nonmembers. For more information and registration, visit bcfymca.org.
From 1 to 3 p.m. Monday, Dec. 30, at the Butler YMCA, families have access to swimming, board games and more at 339 North Washington Street! Admission is free for members and $5 for nonmembers. For more information and registration, visit bcfymca.org.
Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Harmony’s Silvester celebration. You can enjoy a traditional German dinner at Harmony Museum, watch the Christmas tree throwing contest, participate in the 5K or fun run, and watch the ball drop and a fireworks display on German time (6 p.m. in the town square). For a full schedule and list of activities, visit harmonymuseum.org/silvester/.
