Does “it” Fill Your Heart With Joy?

I was in conversation recently with a colleague and she asked a poignant question.

Does it fill your heart with joy?

The question gave me pause. I could see a purpose, but I did not feel joy in the “it” in question.

The work of a teacher is never done, and success can seem impossible. There are obstacles that teachers must overcome in every aspect of their job. This constant grind wears down the most passionate of educators, as they lose sight of the happiness they once had in their work.

I was reading an On Being blog post written by Parker Palmer that discusses the impossible. He quotes Kassie Temple’s response to his doubt:

“What you need to understand is this. Just because something’s impossible doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do it.”

There is little difficulty finding the “should” in education work. However, how does one find and sustain joy? And when does a “should” be professional happiness for educators and students?

The worn-down educator lacks sight of the joy, even though they might not lack vision or purpose. However, joy is what sustains the heart. The heart is the muscle that works through the impossible tasks.

It is important that educators can open their hearts to joy everyday. They must feel joy in the small acts; professional victories; long-term impact and the short-term achievement.

When the teacher feels joy, they find the ability to continue to do the impossible.