The Ode

We are not famous mountain climbers, 

but we walk along and climb some of the largest mountains in the world. 

We are not thrill seeking white water rafters, 

but we've floated down long winding and rocky rivers. 

We are not recognized and renound motivational speakers, 

but we speak hope to people anywhere and everywhere. 

We are not doctors and nurses with degrees and large salaries, 

but we give medicine to those who don't have it. 

We are not teachers, 

yet we are always teaching. 

We are not contractors or architects, 

but we build homes, libraries, and whatever else is needed. 

We are not councilors and psychiatrists, 

but we reconcile families. 

We do not have a paying job,

 but our work is ever before us. 

We are not scholars,

 but we study some of the most difficult and important questions ever asked. 

We are not the leaders of a cause, 

but we will constantly speak, and we will live and die for our beliefs. 

We are often alone, the only one who will stand, 

but we are never really alone. 

We are missionaries.