Christian Living

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Larry Lilly's Letter Wednesday February 6, 2008

The most oft repeated aphorism known to me about teachers is old: "Them that can, do. Them that can't, teach." This is usually repeated in response to some wacko statement from the laboratory brain of a theology professor, untried in the real world. I have used the phrase, but nearly always doing so while thinking, "This statement is not true in my experience."

As I browsed a selection of quotes the one I am using today leaped off the page, ran into my heart and found a home. I hesitated to use it as it is from the heart of an attorney, one John E. King from the coffee capital of the world, Seattle. His collection is called "Captive Aphorisms," a collection of his own statements on a variety of subjects.

"Those who can, do. Those who think others can also, teach."

I admit to the fact that every teacher I ever had made some positive impact on my life. And tragically I made lasting impacts on them. I worried about this for years, but after prayer and musing I realize the Lord put me in their class to keep them humble. I vividly recall one younger teacher reading my name from the roll on the first day of the fall term, and when I raised my hand while nearly shouting "Here" the poor soul actually stated with quivering lip, "My God, it is you!" Without giving details I worked hard on carving a path of anarchy throughout the school system that was more visible and more discussed than the blazing tail of Halley's Comet. Alas, my natural heir, my little sister Bertie following me by only one year, failed to improve on my work, but garnered sympathy from the educational establishment and was known as, "Little Bertie, HIS sister; but SHE is a sweetheart." On top of this cross, I knew in my heart that Mom loved her the most.

Yet I remember each of my teachers fondly. I can recall the last name of every teacher and in most cases their first name, though to call a teacher by their first name was a good way to taste Ivory Soap.

That today's quote is fitting for teachers is validated by the history of our oldest institutions of higher learning. Each of the Ivy League schools were founded and funded by people who believed others could and therefore should have the opportunity to develop into full orbed men and women. Most other schools were founded for the same reason. Russell Conwell pastored a large church in Philadelphia and started a small school to help young preachers which over time became known as Temple University. The strange thing about teaching is that those who learn go on to excel in the field and in the doing learn more than the previous teacher ad infinitum.

I recall several admonitions from teachers that haunt me to this very day. Miss Emily Mosser, 7th grade English teacher, said, "Larry, someday you will wish you had paid attention in this class." Now, many years later, I receive notes from English teachers all over the world suggesting I should have paid attention in English class. Mrs. Ott my 6th grade teacher told me in no uncertain terms that creativity and math do not mix. In later years the IRS said essentially the same thing. I should have listened to Mrs. Ott!

I suppose I could rank as a professional student as I have the blessing or curse of learning from just about everyone. I even learn from observing our dogs. This comes about due to my failure learn what certain looks and nuanced words coming from the Great Blonde really mean.

Larry Lilly Copyright © 2008 Use with credit.

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