Like many of you, I have spent my life doing the things that I loved, the things that I needed to do and the things that were expected of me. Along the way, I have accumulated a wall of plaques, a binder of certificates, a number of degrees and certifications and a bookshelf of books, articles and training materials that I have written. I have held important positions in organizations and lead boards of directors. Occasionally, I am sometimes looked up to by others who ask “where do you find the time and energy for all the things that you do?” But in the final analysis, I sometimes wonder, “What does it all matter?” When I am dead and gone, where will the diplomas, certificates and plaques go? Will they be buried with me? Will they end up with my heirs? Will they be sold on eBay? The reality is that I will have no control at that point and they will likely end up in a land fill. Tossed aside by those who have no room for other people’s “junk” and to which they have no personal emotional attachment.
Interestingly, I received an email from a friend the other day. You know the type. They come attached with wit and wisdom that is penned by some unknown person and circulates the world via the Worldwide Web. This particular on was titled Charles Schultz’ Philosophy and I thought I would share it with you since it ties directly into my comments above.
“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 that 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.
‘Don’t worry about the world coming to an end today. It’s already tomorrow in Australia’ (Charles Schultz).”
With these things in mind, I think it is important to try and find balance in our life. It is important to take time from all of our achievement-oriented tasks to focus on those things that will add so much more to our lives. I believe that another often used anonymous quote sums it up: “The last words that most people will not utter on their deathbed are, ‘I wish I’d had more time to complete that project I was working on.’ ” In reality, at that point in our life, we normally start to realize that what we should have done is spend more time with those we love, share what we have with those less fortunate, take the time to do the little things that bring joy to us and our family. So before it is too late, I urge you to consider the following.
• Tell those who mean so much to you how much you care and love them.
• Do little things to make your partner recognize how much you appreciate him or her (e.g. put heart shaped I love you” notes on the bathroom mirror or buy flowers to surprise them for no special reason, and thank them for the little things they do around the house that makes your life easier, such as cleaning the dishes or tub, cutting the grass, or taking out the trash).
• Throw the ball or play house with the kids that look up to you and adore you because you are their caregiver and so important in their life.
• Let someone have a pet that they want because it is important to them.
• Take the time to go somewhere special with you family and friends on a regular basis.
• Recognize that life is about sharing and not about what others can do for you.
• And, to quote the lyrics of a popular song by Lee Ann Womack:
“I hope you never lose your sense of wonder;
You get your fill to eat but always keep that hunger;
May you never take one single breath for granted;
GOD forbid love ever leave you empty handed;
I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean;
Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens;
Promise me that you’ll give faith a fighting chance;
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance.
I hope you dance…I hope you dance.”
Bob Lucas is an internationally known consultant and author with over thirty years experience in the customer service, human resources and management fields. He has written hundreds of articles and written or contributed to twenty-eight books, including: Customer Service: Building Success Skills for the Twenty-First Century, How to Be a Great Call Center Representative, Effective Interpersonal Relationships and Coaching Skills: A Guide for Supervisors. He can be reached through his corporate website at http://www.robertwlucas.com via email at blucas@globalperformancestrategies.com or at 407-695-5535.
|
|
The Essential Interactive Bible Quiz & Trivia Game For Kids: Volume 1 (Interactive Quiz Books, Games, Puzzles & Trivia For Children On Kindle)
Hello and a warm welcome to "The Essential Interactive Bible Quiz & Trivia Game For Kids - Volume 1".This book was created to help the younger generation improve and assess their knowledge of the Bible. Using this interactive method, I've found that children are far more likely to absorb the fundamentals whilst at the same time, have fun.I have created over 25 questions with multiple word answers.... |
|
|
The Gospel of Mark: Bible Trivia Quiz & Study Guide (BibleEye Bible Trivia Quizzes & Study Guides)
How to Really Study the BibleTired of reading a passage of scripture and finding that you’ve forgotten what you just read?Looking for a way to increase your attention and understanding during Bible study?Looking for an enjoyable way to study the Bible by yourself or with friends and family?You’re just seconds away from deeper engagement with the New Testament scriptures...Study the Bible by Ta... |
|
|
Bible Trivia Interactive Quiz: General Questions
How well do you know the Bible?Volume 1 of the Bible Trivia Interactive Quiz series focuses on general bible knowledge.There are 100 fun, interactive Bible trivia questions (with answers) making this quiz book perfect for children or those new to the Bible.To give you an idea of what type of bible trivia questions are in the book here is an example:Written by Christians for Christians!Our team of ... |
|
|
Bible Trivia Challenge Cards
$3.07 Test your knowledge with four categories of Bible trivia. Two levels of trivia on each card for growing abilities. An engaging learning supplement for Christian classrooms, activity centers, home, and travel.... |
|
|
Bible Times Quiz Challenge Cards
$1.95 Bible Times Quiz Challenge Cards Discover the people, places, and things in the Bible's Old and New Testaments. Two-sided quiz cards feature answers on reverse. A unique, engaging learning supplement for Christian classrooms, activity centers, home, and travel. 56 two-sided cards per pack. 3 1/8" x 5 1/4". Activities included.... |
|
|
POOF-Slinky 0C818 Ideal Bible Trivia Game
$10.44 The POOF-Slinky 0C818 Ideal Bible Trivia is a board game based on the greatest book of all time that requires strategy, broad knowledge of biblical events and divine inspiration. The object of the game is to correctly answer questions as you move along the game board. There are over (700) questions that will challenge players to relive the history, heroic characters and inspirational message found... |
|
|
Bible Characters Printable Easter Trivia Game [Download]
$6.95 This gift exchange game brings the Easter Bible characters to life. Hand out gifts or treats and stand or seat everybody in a circle. A narrator reads the Easter story. Whenever the word LEFT is read, pass your items left, and vice-versa. A fun choice of Christian Easter games, suitable for any age group and large parties, school classes or Sunday school groups.... |
|
|
Bible Quiz - Over 4000 Multiple-Choice Questions on the Bible for the Whole Family!
$39.95 About - Bible Quiz is an entertaining game that will enhance and improve your understanding of the Bible. It includes over 4000 questions on the Bible, in a multiple-choice, game format, for 1-5 players. The quiz can be played at three different levels - beginner, advanced and scholar, ensuring that everyone in the family will get a real Bible Workout. All questions are keyed to specific Bible ref... |