Top 5 Movie Lines that Changed My Life...and Why

5. "I believe... I believe...It's silly, but I believe." - Miracle on 34th Street
Little Susan really didn't want to believe in Santa Claus, but she did anyway. Although I knew eventually Santa Claus wasn't a man coming down my chimney, this movie showed me at a young age what faith was all about.

4. "Where the Lord closes a door, somewhere He opens a window." - Sound of Music
I don't know if this line was first uttered in this movie, but that's where I first heard it. This was somewhere around the part of the movie where Mother Abbess sings "Climb Every Mountain" and quotes Psalm 121...."I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, whence cometh my help." That was a favorite passage of my Mom's which became a favorite passage of mine.

3. "Look around you. There is not a life in this room that you have not touched, and each of us is a better person because of you. We are your symphony Mr. Holland. We are the melodies and the notes of your opus. We are the music of your life." - Mr. Holland's Opus
I cry every time I watch this part of the movie. Mr. Holland lays aside his dream of writing the most beautiful opus to invest in young lives. For someone like me who longs to write the great American novel, but is preoccupied with investing in the blessings of my life, this movie is very affirming.

2. "Not all who wander are aimless." - Mona Lisa Smile
Many view this movie as a stand for feminism, but the teacher, Katherine Watson, wasn't anti-marriage, she was a supporter of women having purpose. Her singleness in the 50's wasn't as easy as women have it today. This movie encourages me that I have a purpose to invest in the lives of others, even as a single woman.

1. "I would rather have thirty minutes of wonderful than a lifetime of nothing special. " - Steel Magnolias
I could write an entire blog entry about why Steel Magnolias is my all time favorite movie. But this line has formed my life. I would rather enjoy the moment, 'carpe diem', than live a life of mediocrity. My life is a wonderful collection of many 30 minutes.