The Gift I Found at Work

I’ve always dreamed of going on an overseas mission, so when I was searching for a job, I made it clear from the beginning that I would not be able to commit long term. One director appreciated my honesty and invited me to join the team. That’s how I began working as a lead teacher at a daycare center.

Before starting, I prayed, "If there’s anything I need to learn or be transformed through this job, please help me grow." However, once I began, it was far more challenging than I had expected. There were many days I cried alone and countless times when I questioned whether I should quit. Still, I couldn’t give up easily, because I knew that walking away would also mean giving up on my dream of overseas missions.

Looking back, the past year at the daycare center has truly been a gift from Heavenly Father and Mother. In the class I was responsible for, big and small conflicts arose every day. Because each child’s heart is precious, I needed to listen carefully to every story and be mindful not to hurt anyone’s feelings. When conflicts left emotional wounds, I had to tend to them gently and offer comfort. At lunchtime, I ate with the children, so my own meal often came second. Yet their small words of affection and the sight of their smiling faces gave me strength and filled me with joy.

Now, I clearly understand why I was placed in this role. Through this experience, Heavenly Father and Mother have taught me how to care for and love the younger members of the heavenly family. They have also helped me realize that taking full responsibility for a classroom and leading it on my own is an essential step in preparing for my gospel vision—to care for the church with a devoted heart and to support the spiritual growth of our members in future overseas missions.

I am sincerely grateful to God for the realization He has given me. I will never forget this precious gift—the lessons I have learned through my work—but will treasure them in my heart as I strive to become a gospel worker who cares for and serves my heavenly family with love. I will become a prophet who shares Mother’s love, whether in Korea or overseas.