December 8, 2025
“I’m going to see the world. Italy, Greece, the Parthenon…the Coliseum. Then, I’m coming back here and go to college and see what they know…and then I’m going to build things…”
—George Bailey
When traveling, I like knowing where I am going, so I plan for it. I certainly feel more secure in familiar surroundings. But, what if I never leave or travel to a place I don’t know? What secret blessing do I miss when I don’t welcome a chance to experience new journeys into the unknown? God may have something amazing for me just around the corner from my comfort. “The most unexpected corners hold the richest stories” (anonymous). For my friends and loved ones who enjoy road trips to no specific destination, you know what I mean.
In our lesson from the movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” George Bailey dreams of exploring far away lands filled with new experiences and historical treasures. In fact, George’s plan after graduating high school was to travel, go to college, and then…find a way out of Bedford Falls. His goal was to do BIG things and build skyscrapers and bridges. Funny how God makes different plans for us and takes us to experiences that never make it into our dreams.
Years later, we observe that none of George’s BIG plans have come to pass. Other things have replaced those dreams. Now, George is married to Mary Hatch, they have four kids, he is the president of Bailey Building and Loan [something he told his dad he did not want], and they all still live in Bedford Falls.
George’s journey came with “unexpected corners” leading to rich stories. It wasn’t until that devastating experience, on Christmas Eve, George realized his life was truly wonderful on the path led by Love. Suddenly, George understood the “unexpected” was actually better than what he had planned. He was renewed with hope and peace, because he realized he was loved by his family, as well as the people in Bedford Falls; his life had made a BIG difference.
Like George, maybe your dreams lay unfulfilled. You did not go anywhere exciting or experience far-away places—maybe your life has been filled with difficulties—but your life matters and you still have an opportunity to make a BIG difference in the lives around you. Taking the road less traveled—choosing God’s more unconventional paths for growth—is the way to discipline through difficulties, responsibility through commitments, and truth through the pure nature of God who is Love.
OT Reading: Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”
NT Reading: Matthew 7:14 NLT “But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.”
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the dreams that were never fulfilled, because you had better plans for us. Thank you for taking us out of our comfort zones and around unexpected corners to reveal how your love is always there to guide us into the Truth. There are many lessons for us to learn each day; things beyond our understanding. May we be willing to walk beyond the corner of comfort, today, and make a difference in someone else’s life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.