Monday, December 20, 2010

A Word On Dreams And Other Lovely Intangibles

What the realist says: Dreams are for fools who can't face reality. Dreams will never come to fruition. Dreams are unrealistic.

I could counter this rather gloomy way of thinking, but I won't. I'll simply say one thing, then let my favorite Christmas movie say the rest. It's Christmas, the season of perpetual hope...a time to believe in the unbelievable...a time to remind ourselves that dreams do come true.

From the original Miracle on 34th Street

Mr. Gailey: ...."Faith is believing in things when common sense tells you not to.  It's not just Kris that's on trial.  It's everything he stands for. It's kindness, joy, love and all other intangibles."

Doris: "Fred, you're talking like a child...

"...those lovely intangibles aren't worth much..."

"...we've talked about wonderful plans, then you go on an idealistic binge."

Mr. Gailey: ..."Someday you're going to find out that your way of facing this realistic world just doesn't work.  And when you do, don't overlook those lovely intangibles.  You'll discover they're the only things that are worthwhile."

In the end, even the common sense-minded Doris realizes the importance of believing.

From the 1994 Miracle on 34th street:

Kris Kringle: "I'm not just a whimsical figure who wears a charming suit and affects a jolly demeanor...I'm a symbol of the human ability to be able to suppress the selfish and hateful tendencies that rule the major part of our lives. If you can't believe, if you can't accept anything on faith, then you're doomed for a life dominated by doubt."

As for me, I think I'll keep believing. I hope you will too.


Miracles happen...if you believe.

5 comments:

  1. I totally count the fact that I by around 30 will be able to perform magic (and I don't mean you know, being really good at something, I mean magic!) and that I will sometime have a dragon as a pet. It's not childs fantasies, it's GONNA happen!

    And besides, I always refer to my little phrase "Fantasize! It's less likely to make you disappointed" because well, I know I can't have much of the things I'd like to have, but to stop dreaming, wishing, wanting, hoping?

    That's just plain stupid.

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  2. I know this is just sinful...but I just watched that movie for the first time ever last night! I loved it. Wonderful quotes. Those are the ones that stuck with me most too. :-)

    There is nothing wrong with faith, hope, and dreams. Without them we'd be sad, directionless, and spiritless. Have a wonderful day.

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  3. I love my dreams, I keep them close to my heart, some have even come true, and therefore, I won't let the other dreams go either, in case I miss their moment of becoming true as well... lovely post missy!

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  4. I like the original the best. The remake isn't too bad though, and it has Elizabeth Perkins.

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  5. Beautifully put. I love that movie, and think it's so important to dream. Thank you for sharing this. =]

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