(www.huffpost.com)

I will never grow tired of movies like Home Alone, The Grinch who Stole Christmas, It’s a Wonderful Life, and any variation of these films I can find on the Lifetime channel. The funny thing is I’m just now noticing they have a common theme. Whether old or new, they all emphasize the importance of being grateful for what you have.

The main characters in these movies are usually frustrated, dissatisfied, or overwhelmed by their life and think everything would be easier if they had made different choices, been given different opportunities, or even come from different families. It takes an unforeseen event, usually a near death experience that causes them to become appreciative for the way things currently are. Eventually they realize the good in their life outweighs the bad significantly, and learn when it seems like things can’t get any worse they usually turn around for the better.

A major cause of distress for the characters is the false perspective they have about their life not being important. They are unaware of how much their being makes a difference in the lives of others, and believe their loved ones would be better off if they hadn’t been born at all. In reality, they are invaluable to those around them. It doesn’t matter if they have good or bad moments, have reached the heights of their profession, or become the person they planned to be.

This Christmas, some may be finding it hard to get excited about the things they already have, especially the ones no one can truly see. It is easy to take our health, family, and friends for granted. At times the trivial issues in life can get the most of our attention, and become a distraction to what really matters. So, before you start to feel bad about the way things are, maybe all you really need is a fresh pair of eyes to see things correctly, and help you count your many blessings.

(ikinja-image.com)

Merry Christmas!

Rachel Bryant Lundy