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His Amazing Works

January 31, 2020
By David Rowe

Like most of my classmates, I just loved Mrs. Pocydylo (pronounced, yes, poke – a – dillow), my third-grade teacher. I always knew that she believed in me; she used to tell me, in her kindly way, that she thought I might be president one day (I did work for a congressman in college but, thankfully, that’s as close as I got!). Mrs. Pocydylo was a veteran teacher, close to retirement back in 1970, working at the same elementary school my mother had attended, and she was considered a local treasure.

Mrs. Pocydylo came to mind when I visited a third grade class in December, as mentioned in the last blog. I mentioned to the class that I have a sample of my third grade writing, knowing that in my office I had a composition/handwriting book that I had done back in the day. I’ve read this book to many classes over the years to encourage them as they begin writing in cursive (they can see my transition in the book), that they can make the change just as I did, or just to give them a window into my background. You will see the book in the picture above.

In this way Mrs. Pocydylo has indirectly touched hundreds of children, though she was my teacher 50 years ago. Her caring and creative teaching approach set a pattern for me as a career educator. Further, in that brief, impromptu classroom experience with Mrs. Dart’s class, we reflected one of the key Bible verses for Christian classical schools: “One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts” (Psalm 145:4).

This investment from one generation to another, by the grace of God and for his glory, is at the heart of what makes Trinity unique. As the Psalmist continues, “On the glorious splendor of your majesty and on your wondrous works I will meditate,” and this is much the work of our students- meditating on and enjoying the glorious splendor of God’s majesty, not just in the Bible but in science, art, music, language and history. Here in Hawaii, of all places, we are daily treated to some of the most amazing and beautiful of God’s ‘wondrous works.’ And here at Trinity, uniquely, we give the “author and finisher of our faith” full credit for such an amazing work.

The Psalmist completes his thought: “They shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds, and I will declare your greatness. They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness and shall sing aloud of your righteousness.” Psalm 145:6-7.  “They shall speak and I will declare.” One generation (they) pouring into another (I) who will pass this along to the next.  That’s what the best of my teachers did for me and it’s what Trinity’s teachers do for your children, one generation commending God’s work to another.

Who were some of your favorite teachers and how did they impact your life?

Mary Chris says:
January 31, 2020 05:32 PM CST

I loved my high school English teacher Mrs. Harkleroad. We called her "Mrs. HarkleSparkle" (which she loved!) because she always wore fantastic ear rings.


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