George Bailey is a adventurous spirit who gets stuck in his hometown trying to help others down on their luck at the expense of his dreams. When circumstances go south, he wishes he was never born, and his wish is granted. When George gets to experience life without the impact his life has had on it, he comes to appreciate the value his life has had on others. Only when we step back to see the bigger picture can we see the activity of God in our lives and the lives of others.