Times tables. Cursive handwriting. Parts of speech.
These stand amongst the most memorable and usable things I learned in the third grade, but through the years, another practical tidbit from a gifted Sunday school teacher continues to rank among the top five.
George Eats Pie Crust.
G – Galatians
E – Ephesians
P – Philippians
C – Colossians
I have no idea if she developed this helpful acronym or if it’s something she selflessly passed onto her students.
I consider it a distinct privilege to have sat under her tutelage.
Memories fade over time, but I’ll never forget how upset I was when Mom told me who I’d gotten for my third grade Sunday school teacher: Mrs. Harmon.
“But, Mom,” I’d cried, “I wanted Grandma!”
My maternal grandmother taught third grade at our church, and there were only two girls’ third grade classes, hers and Mrs. Harmon’s. Even harder to stomach was the fact that my uncle oversaw the Primary Department (grades (1-3), and for whatever reason had decided to put me in Mrs. Harmon’s class.
To this day, I have no idea why. But I’m glad he did.
He gave me the opportunity to learn from this amazing, intelligent person. I’d previously only known her from afar as “The Pastor’s Wife”, a woman to be revered, imitated, and respected. But I now remember her as one of the most humorous, caring, fun-loving people I’ve encountered in this life.
She’d always have a funny story or a joke to share before starting class. Her knowledge of the Bible was outstanding – she could hold her ground against theologians any day. And she’d always try to trip me up when we did Sword Drills.
She tell us kids to raise our Bibles high in the sky and then call out a scripture reference. We’d repeat it and then she’d say, “Ready, Go!” And we’d rush to be the first to find it. And then every so often, she’d get this sneaky look in her eye, saying, “Zedakiah 5:3!”
We’d repeat. Pages would rustle and rustle until realization dawned.
“There is no Zedakiah!”
And there she would sit with her cheeky grin. “That’s right! Made you look.”
There are few greater gifts on this earth than a fantastic Sunday school teacher.
Thank you, Mrs. Harmon, for giving of your time and of yourself. Thank you for sowing so much good into my mind and my soul. Your love and support have lasted long and continue on as I teach my children the lessons you taught me.
May God continue to richly blesses you and yours, both today and beyond!
Much love to you – and Happy Birthday!
Drinking from the Well 