The Truly Important People

Take this quiz:

Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
Name the last five winners of the Miss America contest.
Name five people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
Name the last five Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.
Name the last five World Series winners.

How did you do?

The point is, we do not easily 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.

Now try a different quiz:

Name five teachers who aided your journey through school.
Name five friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
Name five people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
Name five people you enjoy spending time with.
Name five heroes whose stories have inspired you.

Was that easier?

The lesson is that 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 about you. Do something today for someone else that will put you on that someone's list of the truly important people in their life. You have every credential needed for that accolade.

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Send comments and bug reports to Ross Koning at rkoning@snet.net.