A few years ago I went to a writer’s conference and pitched a book proposal about creating teachable moments at home within the context of family traditions. Between meetings with editors, I managed to bend the ear of a published author who was one of the conference coordinators; I was hoping to float my idea and get her “take” while waiting for my next appointment.

As I started in with my pitch, I had barely finished sputtering out my concept when she interrupted me with a wincing rebuke, “Ya know…I just don’t think that everything has to be about learning. Not every moment has to be teachable. Kids need some time to just have fun!”

Point taken. I understand what she was trying to say (though an added measure of grace would have been gladly accepted).

Yet I wonder if there’s a nuance here that we’re missing.

Today my Bible Study teacher reminded us that “If you’re a parent, you. are. a teacher!”

It convicted me anew of something we all know to be true: Whether or not you intend to teach, YOU ARE.

You teach in your actions. So do I.

You teach in what you say;

In what you fail to say. So do I.

You teach in how you love;

In how you respond under trial. So do I.

You teach in so many ways, that whether you set out to design a teachable moment or not, rest assured, the moment is teaching them SOMETHING.

The question is, “WHAT?”

What do you think about the author’s response? Is it true?