Diving In
/
As a woman spoke of the dark patch of life she was walking through, as she described the way she was spiraling through all the things wrong in her life, I thought of the wonderful, pivotal scene in Frank Capra’s film It’s a Wonderful Life when George Baily is leaning over the railing of the bridge, overwhelmed with his troubles, and asking God for help. For those familiar with the movie, you know Clarence (the angel) then falls into the fridged water below taking George from his overwhelming problems to helping the man below. The scene taught me that the best way to rise from my problems is to think about someone else.
I can host a pity party better than Martha Stewart can host a dinner. I can invite every single woe and set the table for a long and sumptuous evening of despair. On some sick level my soul likes it. My guilt and shame love company, and yet I’ve come to know how dangerous it can be.
I remember a time, however, when I was struggling mightily and came across someone whose problems made mine pale in comparison. Like a switch, my concern for him caused me to awaken and focus not on me and my problems but him and his. Changing my focus and doing what I could to sit beside him changed me in profound and life-giving ways. Like George, I forgot my problems and dove into the water.
As we begin a new year, may we all look beyond ourselves and see those around us who are struggling. May we be lifted from the dangers of thinking only of ourselves and dive into the water below where others could really use our help.
Something tells me, it will save us both.
