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What Matters Most

by Valerie Steimle

A common sense look at current events and how they affect the American Family

With all the hustle and bustle of making a living, wanting more and more wealth, and winning a beauty contest or superbowl game, we forget what really matters.

September 11th reminded us for a little while, but it’s been 4 years since that happened and we are back to pushing everyone out of the way to get to the top.

Charles Shultz, creator of the “Peanuts” comic strip seemed to have gotten it right with a series of questions. You won’t be graded on these but see how well you can answer them.

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 American Pageant.

4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.

5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winner for best actor or actress.

6. Name the last decade’s worth of World Series winners.(Even the last two or three years winners)

I think I remember some of the wealthiest people. They are always on the news. I remember the last World Series winner because it was Boston Red Sox who never win but the point is most of us don’t remember the headlines of yesterday. All those people who fit into the winners of those categories were the best in their field. But after a while the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.

Here is another list of questions you might do much better answering:

1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.

2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.

3. Think of a few people who have mad you feel appreciated and special.

4. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.

Was that easier? I think so. The point here? 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. Your family and close associates are what really matters in your life.

Valerie Steimle is the mother of 9 children and likes to write. She is very interested in the education of her children and the strength of the family. She is the author of two books: Home Is Where the Heart is and Home Is Where the Learning Is.

In Home Is Where The Heart Is you can read about how to strengthen your family. Have you ever felt there was something missing in your life? Have you ever felt that your day to day living was a hopeless waste of time? Sometimes there is so much commotion in our life; we can’t feel what is most important.

In the book, Home Is Where the Heart Is, Valerie J. Steimle wrote 60 different essays discussing the importance of the family and why our family life should be a blessing to us.

Home Is Where The Learning Is includes eight chapters of couragous women who homeschooled their children and how they did it. What system they used, how much time they spent homeschooling and what it is like to homeschool.

Home Is Where The Heart is and Home Is Where the Learning is are available through Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, and BooksaMillion.com.