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``This I Believe'' by homemaker Lindy Davidson, 31

Published: Oct 6, 2005

I believe that we who are restless yet figure ourselves wise could learn a great deal from `the least` of men.

I have invested decades straining for recognition in the academic and religious worlds. I prided myself on the list of accolades read after my name upon college graduation. I invested three years of my life in seminary, ensuring that I would achieve great wisdom and the respect of many.

It was only after I had notched my belt with seven years of higher education that I met my greatest teacher. His name is Will. He is wiser than I am. This is demonstrated by his grand level of contentment. My pulse goes up when my agenda is crossed in the tiniest of ways. I get angry over simple, everyday circumstances in life but Will is not bothered by much greater problems.

Will is my 3-year-old son. He was born with kidney failure and spent the first two and a half years of his life on dialysis until receiving a kidney transplant. He's had over a dozen surgeries and has a medical chart that would take two people to lift.

Sounds like a life of sorrow doesn't it? There are many words to describe Will: wacky, silly, flexible (we're talking advanced yoga), goofy. Sorrow just doesn't seem to be on his radar.

I once prayed that Will's life would not be marked by pain. I can definitely say that prayer has been answered. A friend recently told me that Will leads without walking and teaches without speaking. This toddler has challenged successful adults to seek a life of peace that few take the time to pursue.

I refer to Will as `the least` of men in the sense that Jesus uses this term. `The least` is the way the world looks at my son. He is least likely to be a contributor to any academic journals. He is least likely to win any athletic competitions, unless there is one for `most flexible human.` And in Darwin's world, he is least likely to survive due to multiple medical diagnoses and the 22 doses of medicine he currently takes each day.

In spite of his circumstances - external factors - Will is joyful and absolutely content. I blame my circumstances for my bad attitude, yet even when they change it is never enough. It is my heart that is discontent. I know where to find rest, yet I run to other things. Will seems to dwell in the place of peace.

I believe it is the kindness of God to give a woman who is proud and arrogant a 3-year- old teacher who demands nothing more of her than all six verses of `Wheels on the Bus.` I am grateful I have a lifetime to spend learning from this new teacher of mine.

This essay is copyrighted material. No reproduction or excerpting is permitted without written consent of This I Believe, Inc. To read and hear other essays, and to submit your own, visit www.npr.org/thisibelieve.