Who Makes a Difference in Your Life

The following is the philosophy of Charles Schultz, the creator of the "Peanuts" comic strip. You don't have to actually answer the questions. Just read the questions straight through and you'll get the point.
1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America.
4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.
6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.

How did you do? The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.

Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:
1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.

Easier? The lesson: The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care...the ones who love you even when you're in a grumpy mood for no good reason...the ones who forgive you for snapping at them even when it's not really them you're angry with...the ones who love you, every little bit of you--especially the parts you don't love about yourself--and give you a hug at the end of every day, just because. Look around and be grateful for the people like that in your own life. Let them know how grateful you truly are.

I am off to say thanks to the people in my life today--oh and sort out messes in the house, holiday gift making, housekeeping....What would Father Christmas think if I don't?

2 encouragements:

Stephanie said...

Yep, I agree, I have seen that message before and I can't answer the questions, guess I don't really care :)

Sarah said...

This was sparked by recent thread on kids spending so-called too much time on Runescape and how one dad is irrated. His concern was that his kids won't be able to write an essary in college. I still get frustrated when I hear/read comments such as this even after 12+ years! I don't care if my kids can't write a darn thing but they are happy, caring, and blessed with people who love them.

True learning-learning that is permanent and useful,that leads to intelligent action and further learning, can arise only out of the experience, interest, and concerns of the learner.
John Holt
Real heroes are men who fall, fail and are flawed, but win out in the end because they stayed true to their ideals, beliefs and commitments.
Actor Kevin Costner
 

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