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Blue Prints
Do You Know Who You Are?
We all watched as the world paid tribute to Tony Snow, press secretary to the President. How could so many good things be said about one person? He was known for his faith being a top priority in his life. He was known as the man who left the White House early for his children's activities. He was known for his love for his wife. He was known for buying her 50 gifts on her fiftieth birthday, not large ones, little ones. Busy man that he was, that was important to him. No one, even those on the opposite side politically had bad things to say about Mr. Snow.
 Why do some men stand a head above the rest. It all boils down to choices. At some point in life, Tony Snow made choices about what was important. Then he did what it took to abide by his choices. It was said of him, "He knew who he was. There were no little people to him. He was kind to everyone. He was a man of integrity, courage and character. He taught us how to live and he taught us how to die."
Hearing statements about this man that we all felt we knew, reminded me of a story I read a year or so back. I do not know the source, so I can't give credit. But it's worth repeating. If you have read it, once more won't be too much.
"During my second month of college, our professor gave us a pop quiz. I was a conscientious student and had breezed through the questions until I read the last one: "What is the first name of the woman who cleans the school?" Surely this was some kind of joke. I had seen the cleaning woman several times. She was tall, dark-haired and in her 50s, but how would I know her name? I handed in my paper, leaving the last question blank. Just before class ended, One student asked if the last question would count toward our quiz grade. "Absolutely," said the professor. "In your careers,you will meet many people. All are significant. They deserve your attention and care, even if all you do is smile and say "hello". I've never forgotten that lesson. I also learned her name was Dorothy."
Think about the things that are important in your life. Will the same things be on your list years from now? Are those things worth living and dying for? That's a tough question. But life is tough. The question is, "Do you know who you are?"
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"With integrity you have nothing to fear, since you have nothing to hide.
With integrity you will do the right thing, so you will have no guilt.
With fear and guilt removed you are free to be and do your best."
Zig Ziglar
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