Lists

Here is a devotion for you compliments of HomeTouch:

In an article about influential people and their impact upon our lives, the late Charles Schulz and Gary Amirault once suggested that we take a quiz in which we name the five wealthiest people in the world, the last five Heisman trophy winners, the last five winners of the Miss America contest, 10 people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer prizes, the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress and the last 10 winners of the World Series.

It’s not too easy, although I am sure you can name a few.  I came up with Jeff Bezos, Bill Gates and Warren Buffett for the first question.  I don’t know if they rank in the top five wealthiest people in the world.  But they’re probably close, although when you read this, they may be dead.  I may be dead, for that matter.  I have no clue about the last Heisman Trophy winner.  I have no idea about the Miss America winners.  I don’t know who won the Pulitzer Prize recently.  I know President Obama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize years ago as was Myanmar’s Aung San Suu Kyi.  The Academy Awards were a few months ago.  Do you remember any of the winners?

Do you care?  The point is, very few of us remember these people who made headlines for a while, and then faded from view.

Now, Schulz and Amirault suggest, take a different type of quiz:
• Name a few teachers who aided your journey through school a long time ago.
• Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
• Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
• Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
• Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.
• Name half a dozen heroes whose stories have inspired you.

I bet you were able to do much better answering those questions!

Here’s my question:  Are you on someone else’s list?

—Timothy Merrill

Prayer:  O God, thank you for the people who have helped me on my life’s journey.  Make me a person who likewise can be a blessing to others on their pilgrimages.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

1 Comment


Judy Pine - July 26th, 2021 at 8:43pm

So true. We remember the things and the people who touched us.