.Character.

Never have I read as much as I have during my time in Seattle.  I must thank the Metro transportation system that chauffers me to work daily, alloting me time to immerse myself in a good book or "silence" of my thoughts.  These days, my choices are bound to architectural exam notes or Leviticus...and I don't think Numbers will be anymore exhilarating.  So, I reflect back to one of the readings I've been meaning to share.

One of the books I chose to engage in was the biography of Charles Schulz, Peanuts cartoonist.  My previous posts about character development while waitin on God reminded me of the part the author shared about Schulz's father, Carl.  His father was a barber, and his business evolved around a list of precepts that Schulz would later manifest in his own career. 

1. Maintain a good posture
2. Wear an easy cheerful countenance
3. Constantly practice friendliness
4. Speak distinctly
5. Don't be overly inclined to give advice
6. Don't be a didactic
7. Be a good listener.  A good listener asks leading questions
8. Be essentially informal
9. One's success in any avenue of life depends a great deal upon his selling ability
10. Don't take yourself too seriously.

Besides the fact that Lucy was the personification of his first wife and the surprising secret of the real Charlie Brown, these precepts were what I took away from this biography.  I reflect back to them from time to time and make it a point to practice a few on any given day. 

I am learning so much through my growth in this career, but the information is a bit of an overload.  I am challenged and stretched daily.  Mixing in a few of these goals seem to make the day a bit more manageable.

My hope is that you find encouragement and a challenge to practice, too. :)