My other sister had her baby today! Read more on my dad's blog.
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There is quite a bit of discussion going on right now here at Sonlight as to how to best address a recent issue. I'm pretty sure I'm not yet at liberty to say what is going on, but this did bring up an important note:
The managers of Sonlight Curriculum--including John and Sarita--are very concerned with not only the quality of the products we sell but also how useful the materials are for homeschooling families. I am very impressed with what little discussion I have been privy to, and feel that I need to give "props"/"kudos"/recognition to the efforts of "the powers that be."
This reminds me of a situation I was involved with earlier this year. I did some video work for a guy and he was very displeased with the result. I apologized, explained why I did what I had, and then did what I could to make it right. He told me later that he was impressed because I obviously cared about my work.
And that is very much the attitude of the leadership here at Sonlight. When something isn't "perfect," every effort is made to make it right.
And that makes a big difference.
I tend to think of companies as these machine-driven entities incapable of error. I forget that they have people, much like me, working on the products and services I use. And so there are errors.
But what sets aside one company from another is the amount to which they care about their product and their customers.
So, I'm going to propose an addition to an old adage: To err is human; to forgive, divine... and to make it right recognizes the forgiveness we have been granted.
When I do not try to set things right after I make a mistake, it is typically out of a desire for self-preservation; a fear that to do so will harm me. But when I remember that it is not I who provides for me, I am far more willing to sacrifice to make things right.
I do not provide. I can not provide. And so, when I realize that I have been provided for, I can rest in the grace poured out on me and give it to others. And I am glad to work within a company that recognizes that as well.
~Luke Holzmann
Filmmaker, Writer, Expectant Father
3 comments:
Yep, I agree....with both points. As a customer, I totally see this attitude in the Sonlight Co. They are constantly working to make it better and it encourages me to constantly be re-evaluating what I do to make sure that our homeschool is the best.
Also, your second point really, *really* hit home. For years, I was a very prideful, arrogant individual who "never" did anything wrong. That all changed when I realized that the grace that He had poured out for me was so deep because the depth of my sinfulness was so great. Once I was able to truly grasp the awesomeness of that forgiveness, and also to realize that by trivializing my sin, I was trivializing His grace, admitting mistakes became a desirable necessity.
So after your "It's possible to live without a microwave comment", I got really excited about planning meals without it, but today my husband received a sudden windfall and I will be able to get one tomorrow. I am almost a tiny bit disappointed. Almost.
And thanks for your comment on Monday. Having a Sonlight Celeb post a comment on our very first day of school was completely mind blowing for my kids. Did you know you were famous? The Voice of Justin's Journal.
~Annemarie
There is a good reason Sonlight is regarded so highly in homeschooling circles. Customer service, excellent products, and creative relationships with their customers make SL top notch.
I can't help but hope you all are considering adding Apologia's elementary science to the catalog...but if not, I'll still have grace for you, lol.
Annemarie,
We are very happy to have a microwave again <smile>. I feel very honored to be considered a "Celeb," and I'm glad that your kids love the DVDs!
And I am glad that the effort Sonlight puts into customer support is so apparent.
Wendy,
If you have submitted the suggestion to add Apologia's science, then it has been/will be/is being seriously considered.
And, boy, I'm grateful that you'll have grace for us even if we don't start carrying it! <smile>
Thanks so much for commenting, ladies! It truly makes my day!
~Luke
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