Passion and Purpose

Working with children is a calling, a vocation. You have to have a passion and excitement that you bring with you every day, but that is not enough, you also have to understand your purpose. I am reminded of a story. A traveler came to a town where there was a group of workers making what appeared to be a building of some kind. He approached the first man and asked, "what are you doing?" The first man answered, "I am a stone mason, I cut stones to be used to build walls." He approached a second man and asked again "what are you doing?" The second man said,  "I am a glass worker. I make the finest stained glass windows in the land, I am making windows." He approached yet another man and repeated his question and was told, "I am a carpenter, I search out the finest wood and cut, smooth, hammer, sand and stain. I turn wood into beautiful floors, walls and furniture." Finally, he approached a man who was sweeping and cleaning. He asked his question yet again and was answered "I am building a cathedral to honor the glory of God."
While all the men had a passion, only one understood his purpose.
Every day with children I encourage you to think about your purpose. Is it to put knowledge into heads? Or is it to build strong, healthy, capable children who will grow into life long learners and good citizens? Remembering your purpose will enrich your work with children every day.