Does It Feel Like A Wonderful Life?

On the drive to work this morning I heard an excerpt on the radio from the movie “It’s A Wonderful Life”.  I think most people are familiar with this movie.  It’s basically the story of a man who wonders if his life has any real value to those around him.  I think most of us wonder this from time to time.  Sometimes I receive very nice emails from people who read my daily thoughts and they tell me how much something I wrote means to them.  These emails are usually very timely because they often arrive on a day when I wonder why I ever bother to write at all.  The affirmation I receive from these emails gives me a boost.  There are many days, however, where I feel like I make little difference in the lives of family, friends, and co-workers.  Like the lead character in the movie I sometimes wonder, “Would anyone even notice if I wasn’t here”?  In my heart I know I make a difference in other people’s lives but it is easy to feel taken for granted.  Although I never took him for granted, the death of my dear friend back in the summer made me realize how truly important he was to me.  His absence has created a huge hole in my life.  If someone has a noticeable and positive impact on your life I encourage you to occasionally tell them.  Don’t assume they know.  All of us need to be needed.  All of us want to be needed.  All of us want to make a difference in the lives of others.  Quite frankly, if I am not here I want to be missed.  I’m sure many other people feel the same way.