The section below in red italics has often been credited the to brilliant mind of Charles Schulz, the creator of the 'Peanuts' comic strip, but a quick check with Snopes (CLICK) quells that flame. An inquiry to the Charles M. Schulz Museum produced the following response: "We get this request about once a month. Though this saying/quiz is often attributed to Charles Schulz, he in fact made no such statement." The quiz is mistakenly attributed to Charles Schulz because he added a sentence to the end of it. It has subsequently appeared in any number of devotional or inspirational books, Snopes' earliest print sighting of it dates to 2001, where it was presented in Dennis Fakes' G.R.A.C.E.: The Essence of Spirituality.
Having said all of that, the value, validity, and brilliance of the writing is not tarnished by losing it's accreditation to the equally brilliant mind of Schulz.
You don't have to actually answer the (following) questions.
Just ponder on them.
Just read it 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 pageant.
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 forgotten ...
Accolades and certificates 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 is 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 simply are the ones who care the most.
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 pageant.
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 forgotten ...
Accolades and certificates 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 is 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 simply are the ones who care the most.
Like a parent or relative ...
Like a long time friend or neighbour ...
Like a teacher, educational assistant, or guidance counsellor ...
Like a child+youth worker ...
IMHO, as a society, we place far too much emphasis on those who gain notoriety for some reason or another, and lose sight of those who have impacted and enriched our lives directly. My one wish for this coming year is a transition of focus from the previous to the latter, and offering our thanks and gratitude for the influence they've had.
I know I'll be doing just that, starting with my family.
No comments:
Post a Comment