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Every holiday season, I look forward to watching the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life”. This year, I watched with my 11-year-old son. Later that day, I asked him, “What lesson did you learn from the movie?” He said, “Be a good guy. You never know when you do something nice for someone, what kind of impact it might have on his or her life.”

What a great lesson for all of us. In the movie, George Bailey operates the Bailey Building and Loan. But, his goal was to travel the world and leave the town where he grew up. Following the death of his father, however, he decided to stay and take over the family business. Things take a turn for the worse, and George gets the chance to see what the lives of those around him would have been like if he hadn’t been born.

With the help of Clarence (George’s guardian angel), George realizes that his acts of kindness and the work he did at the Building and Loan helping the residents of Bedford Falls made a big difference in everyone’s life. George was committed to treating people fairly, many times at his own expense. But, those little acts of kindness paid off – when George hit hard times, the folks in his small town came to his aid.

A dear friend of mine lost his dad this holiday season after a very long illness. My friend talks often about his dad, and the things his dad did during his life. His dad had started a cancer support group in his hometown and was known for his kindness and generosity. He had always been there for his family and friends, and was the kind of guy who never met a stranger. It was evident how much he was loved in his hometown by the incredible turn out at his memorial service. He, like George Bailey, had made a difference in the lives of others by being a good guy.

The holidays remind me how lucky I am to have friends and family. I give thanks for the many blessing that have come my way, including the opportunity to share ideas with you during the year. I wish you and your family a wonderful holiday season. I encourage all of us to take a lesson from “It’s a Wonderful Life” – and remember it all year long.

As my 11-year-old said, “Be a good guy. You never know when you do something nice for someone, what kind of impact it might have on his or her life.”

Here’s to a wonderful life.

Dennis