Weekly THIS AND THAT for November 26, 2006: An Inventory for Thanksgiving

This and That:
An Inventory for Thanksgiving

By now all that remains of the turkey is the carcass and the annual soup can’t be too far behind. On this four-day respite, when we pause to thank God for our blessings and family, I thought the following philosophy of Charles Schultz, the creator of the “Peanuts” comic strip, was very apropos. Please keep in mind that you don’t have to actually answer the questions. Just read straight through and you’ll get the point.

Fondly,
Father Nick Amato


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 remembers the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields, but the applause dies quickly. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.


Now here’s the second quiz. See how you do on this one.
1. List three 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 four people who have made you feel appreciated and special.

5. Think of five people with whom you enjoy spending time.
Easier?

The lesson is simple: 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.

You might share this note of thanksgiving with folks for whom you give thanks.
A closing thought from Charles Schultz: “Don't worry about the world coming to an end today. It’s already tomorrow in Australia.”