Writing is Teaching

I make a list of things I'm thankful to God for every morning. It's a practice that I learned from a counselor I saw years ago. Lately, I often thank God for teachers who teach me through their writing.

I've been thinking about that aspect of writing lately--writing as a form of teaching. I don't sit under a lot of teaching except through the books and articles that I read. I don't know what I would do without the teaching that I get through reading. There are so many questions that would go unanswered, topics I couldn't understand, skills that I wouldn't learn if teachers did not take the time to write out what they have learned. I'm blessed with teacher in biblical studies, leadership, theology, pastoral skills, communication, history, science, parenting, gardening, etc.

Writing is also for entertainment, enjoyment, and beauty. Most non-fiction, though fits in the category of teaching.

So one reason to write, keep a blog, practice the craft of writing, etc. is to teach others what you know and could be helpful to them. I'm reminded of a quote from a book that I read in seminary. William Yount in Called to Teach said something like "The teacher who does not write forfeits the chance for an on-going teaching ministry."