Takes Faith to Write (and teach)

Takes faith to write. Also, to teach.

Facing a blank legal pad or computer screen, writers must see what isn’t there: the could be, might be, will be.

This morning I’m throwing words at the page hoping something will stick. Sometimes nothing does. For a long time.

When I do get a sentence that works, it’s like the first piece of a jigsaw puzzle. I have some direction, but there’s a long way to go.

As other pieces fall into place, the faith that kept me in my seat is rewarded. The “could” turns into “is.”

Teaching is the same. Students are like blank computer screens. My job is to see the writer in them, and, eventually, get them to see her too.

After many years of teaching, it’s not that hard. I’ve seen miracles before. When students tell me how much they suck at writing, I grin.

I know God has made humans to communicate. And with practice and some inspiration, these students will write. And they’ll do it well.

Faith will become sight.