But Have Not Love

If I teach lessons that would make all teachers and professors proud,
but have not love,
then I am only a busted drum, a clanging cymbal, or a room full of recorder players playing loud and free.
If I have the gift of wisdom that can fathom and solve all behavioral mysteries and challenges, and
If I have a memory that memorizes all cars in the car-rider line,
but have not love,
I am nothing.
If I give all I possess to my Title 1 students and
Never miss a day of work
but have not love, I gain nothing.
Love is patient, love is kind.
It does not envy other’s time,
It does not boast of minor accomplishment,
It is not proud.
It does not dishonor others with gossip and verbal attacks,
It is not self-seeking to the detriment of others,
It is not easily angered,
It keeps no record of petty wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects those who cannot protect themselves,
Always trusts deep intuition,
Always hopes for the good,
Always perseveres.
Love never fails.

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God, help me to love—help us to love—help us to live for the name and sake of Love. Amen