That which was done was worthwhile

Since going to the Museum of Islamic Art for the first time in December, I have had the recurring image of a 9th century plate from Basra in my mind's eye. It is a simple white earthenware bowl with cobalt blue Kufic inscription reading “ma ‘ umila saluha” . Apparently one interpretation could be "made by Saleh", but the more accepted reading is "That which was done was worthwhile".
How important it is to know that we are spending our time in ways that have some significance ... to us or to others. As a teacher, I believe that education makes a difference. This old bowl, so elegant in its simplicity, reflects my goal for this term ... that what we do will be worthwhile ....