When children learn that happiness is not found in what

a person has but in who that person is...

When they learn that giving and forgiving are more

rewarding than taking and avenging...

 

When they learn that suffering is not eased by self-pity,

but overcome by inner resolve and spiritual strength...

 

When they learn that they can't control the world about them,

that they are the masters of their own soul...

 

When they learn not to hate a person whose difference

 they fear, but to fear that kind of hate...

 

When they learn that there is pleasure in the power

of lifting others up, not in the pseudo power

of pushing them down...

 

When they learn that praise from others is flattering

but meaningless if it is not matched by self-respect...

 

When they learn that the value of a life is best measured

not by the years spent accumulating possessions,

but by the moments spent giving of ones self-sharing

wisdom, inspiring hope, wiping tears and touching hearts...

 

When they learn that a person's beauty is seen not with eyes

but with the heart and that even though time and

hardship may ravage one's outer shell, they can

enhance one's character and perspective...

 

When they learn to withhold judgment of people,

knowing everyone is blessed with good and bad qualities,

and the emergence of either often depends

on the help given or hurt inflicted by others...

 

When they learn that every person has

been given the gift of a unique self,

and purpose of life is to share the

very best of that gift with the world...

 

When children learn these ideals and how to

practice them in the art of good living, they will

 no longer be children

They will be blessings to those who know

them and worthy models of the world.