The Work of Your Heart

Let me give children the healing knowledge. That there is a better way, a more beautiful way to live each day of their lives. A physician I am not, but healing is part of my profession.

Let me give some child hope for eternity, Peace in this life, confidence in what will come. I am not a member of the clergy, but faith is part of my profession.

Let me give children a feeling of justice; A sensitivity for right and wrong; A love of truth and an abhorrence of evil. A legal advisor I am not, but justice is part of my profession.

Let me bring children relief from pain of disappointment and disillusionment; A remedy for dissolving personality; An escape from the ravages of self-pity; A psychologist I am not, but the healthy mind is a part of my profession.

Let me give children a balance between an appreciation of their cultural heritage, And an enthusiastic participation in the human family. And anticipation for the world of tomorrow. For I am a teacher.

To some, teaching may be a job; to others, a means to a greater end. One person may think

He merely lays bricks; another understands that he is helping to build a hospital. Who among us cannot find a higher purpose in our work?

Beth Nelson