You Big Fat Pig!

"YOU BIG FAT PIG!!!"

That's what I screamed out at my 3rd grade teacher, Mrs. Sharf, after she and I had got into an argument about the days of the week. I had never argued with an adult before so it was a very intense moment for me. This incident left a lasting impression on me. I told my kids about it last night after our family altar time. We are currently studying in Genesis about the creation and I was explaining the days of the week to them and why we worship on Sunday instead of Saturday and it just jolted this memory right out of my head.

I was in the 3rd grade at Gibbs elementary school (see above picture). The year was 1974, I was 8-years old. My family always went to church on Sunday and in my small mind, I assumed it was the last day of the week. After all, God rested on the 7th day, and not knowing history very well yet, I figured Sunday was the 7th . I don't recollect anyone ever telling me different.

I remember Mrs. Sharf was teaching something and she made mention that the first day of the week was Sunday. I couldn't believe she didn't know better! I thought, "she must not be saved if she thinks Sunday is the first day of the week!" So, I shouted out in front of all of the class, "no it's not!" Mrs. Sharf said, "no what's not?" "Sunday... Sunday is not the first day of the week, it's the last, everybody knows that!" She glared back at me and said, "no, just look at a calendar, it's the first day of the week." I was starting to get mad! "No, you are wrong" I said, "we go to church on Sunday and I know for a fact it's the last day of the week!" She walked closer to me and said, "no Byron, that's not right, Sunday is the first day of the week." My blood was boiling. I wanted to stand up and start preaching a sermon to this poor lost woman. I was getting frustrated because everyone in the room was staring and listening.

Now, all of this was in the days of open classrooms, so just imagine about 75 kids sectioned off in a large room and all eyes upon me. Things were getting heated. I kept arguing with Mrs. Sharf. She told me I needed to calm down. She never would admit that Sunday was the last day of the week. My emotions were mixed with anger, rebellion, and stubbornness. I looked up at her and out of frustration, yelled to the top of my lungs, "YOU BIG FAT PIG!!!" Mrs. Sharf's face turned beet red and she pointed at me and said, "Byron Chesney, you need to settle yourself down right now!" I threw my head onto the desk and covered myself with my arms. All of a sudden I just wanted to be in a cave or something. I broke down and started bawling. No one was laughing at me, I think they were all scared to death. I was always a pretty tough kid in school so I'm sure all of my buddies were in shock. I couldn't look up, I was so sick over this.

I can't remember how long I sat there with my face buried into the desk. After some time, Mrs. Sharf came over to me and put her hand on my shoulder and said, "Byron, it's okay, I'm sorry that you got so upset. Why don't you get up and go to the restroom?" I couldn't look at her. I felt so ashamed for calling her names. With my head still down I muttered, "I'm sorry I called you a big fat pig." She said, "it's okay, you were just upset, but you shouldn't ever call anybody names."

Eventually I recovered from this incident but it sure has stuck with me all of these years. I guess it was the first time I had ever stood up for what I believed in. I guess there is a lesson in all of this. Just because you really believe something in your own mind, doesn't necessarily make it so. I suppose that's why there are so many different religions and beliefs. Oh, and by the way, I now fully understand that Sunday is the Lord's Day and it is the first day of the week. You can refer to the SBC basic beliefs.