Educational theory should be the foundation for most practice and research, but this is not a one-way relationship. Good inductive research may help to develop theory instead of coming from it. The relationship of theory to research can be different in qualitative research than in quantitative research. Practice can and should also inform and be informed by theory and research. Theory, research, and practice are very important to the field of education, as is the nexus of these constructs. The author of this paper considers the nexus of theory, research, and practice and delves deeper into these constructs to suggest a foundational nature of caring and spirituality. (Contains 1 figure.)