Teaching vs. Preaching

Is there a difference between teaching and preaching?   I'm not sure.

Sometimes when I blog, I get a little preachy.  I really want people to think about what they are doing.  I'm not sure that I want to change them....except maybe to get them to think more.

I used to wonder why a child with a 27 cumulative average in biology would tell me they wanted to be a pediatrician.  I would talk to them about how a college decides who would be enrolled.  They were supposed to learn the biology in ninth grade, so they could learn more and more.  You really don't get do-overs as a doctor.  A 27 in biology doesn't cut it.  You have to learn 70 percent of the subject matter to get a passing grade.

Grades are such a touchy subject.  Let's say a student does nothing....I mean.....nothing.... during a semester.  I promise you at the end of the semester, a parent will call the principal and tell them that Betty Jo needs another chance to make up their 57.  They didn't know that missing tests, not handing in homework, and being an absolute jerk would be held against their child....

And if they're graduating.....they whine, "Grandma has already bought a plane ticket from Michigan."

So, what will we tell Grandma?

Tell her that Betty Jo has been screwing around and it caught up with her.  Take Granny to the S & S and have a good meal.  This is a life lesson.

See, the schools and the teachers HAVE been telling this to Betty Jo.  She thinks that they are blowing smoke.  She'll tell her momma and momma will make it right.

Well, here's where the preaching comes in.  You can talk about doing the right thing or you can do the right thing.

The road to hell is paved with good intentions.