What I get for thinking

My sister sent me this cheesy email - one of those forwarded ones that I often never read (and rarely forward). This was titled "Charles Schultz Philosophy." The email goes along with something I've been swirling around in my head for a while.

I sometimes hesitate to say I am a preschool teacher. I worry people will think I have no education. I worry they will think I could not find a "better job." I told David a few weeks back something along these lines: What job do you know where you get to play and get paid for it? What job do you know where you hear over and over all day, "I love you" from someone who really means it. What job do you know where you are outside in the fresh, lovely air at 10:30am in the morning, and you just enjoy it? What job do you know where you actually make a difference?

Ask yourself, do you make a positive difference in someone's life at your job? My jobs before this were unsatisfying spiritually and emotionally. I had a job where I made a ridiculous amount of money for what I was doing. All the work I did was useless and helped no one. I then got another job making oodles of money, and at least in that one, I could see that what I did was actually making a positive change in some peoples' lives.

I walk around sometimes thinking how absurd everything is. The cars we drive are absurd. Shopping at Nordstrom is ridiculously absurd. Sports are absurd. I wonder sometimes why we do the things we do. What is is for? Is there a planet on the other side of the galaxy like ours? With roads, buildings, cars, stores, football teams, McDonalds, and people like ours? Do you ever think about how minuscule and rather meaningless Earth is? Doesn't it make what you see and do seem just a little bit absurd?

This brings us back to working at a preschool. I feel blessed to have fourteen 3-year-olds who love me. I love them, too. I am helping them be the best person they can be. I'm teaching them that love exists, that kindness wins, and that good manners go a really long way. ;o) But seriously, research shows that children learn 50% of what they will learn their entire lives by age 5. And they haven't even gone to "real" school yet.

And that brings me back to the email my sister sent. I have no idea if it's really the philosophy of Charles Schultz, but I loved the lesson:



The following is the philosophy of Charles Schultz (creator of the "Peanuts" comic strip). You don't have to actually answer the questions. Just read the e-mail 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.

"Don't worry about the world coming to an end today. It's already tomorrow in Australia." (Charles Schultz)