Are any of you older readers longing for the good ol’ days like me – when life seemed simpler to you? Yes, there were very hard and wrong things that happened, but let’s not negate what simple and wholesome good there was, as well, as captured by these paintings.
President Reagan said of America, “it was a tall proud city built on rocks stronger than oceans, wind-swept, God-blessed and teeming with people of all kinds living in harmony and peace, a city with free ports that hummed with commerce and creativity” and a shining beacon of freedom and peace.
My childhood surroundings in the 50s were pretty much like Opie’s in Andy of Mayberry. We were not well-off financially, but we worked hard together and family was very important.
(Generally, in our neck of the woods) a man’s word was his bond (certainly, there were exceptions);
• a handshake was honored;
• neighbors looked out for each other’s children;
• the grocer would keep a tab if you were short;
• work ethic was rewarded;
• family farms abounded;
• schools were opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer;
• strong character values were taught;
• ‘Please’ and ‘Thank you’ were expected;
• cost of living was low;
• legal, political, and medical ethics were not perfect, but more the norm;
• and churches and civic groups looked after the poor.
Those of us that have lived our youth in America just 5 or 6 decades ago had a small window to enjoy one of the most freedom-loving times in history.
Today, it is hard to conceive going back to a quieter life because we cannot undo where our world has come (economically, electronically, educationally, and culturally), and for others of you, because you are too young to know what you missed.
But maybe we can pick and choose to intentionally re-create some of the same wholesome ways of the good ol’ days. These are my husband’s memories of his growing up days:
Longing for The Good Ol’ Days
Oh, for the good ol’ days when instead of teachers, it would be older siblings, parents and grandparents…
…instead of a housing development- it would often be a tight-knit community here women and mothers shared how-to tips about child-training, herbal remedies, childbirth, food preservation, gardening, and a shoulder to cry on.
…instead of TV or computer games – free play outside …
…instead of XBox or a device – creative work with the hands…
…instead of rushing – taking time to dream…
…instead of the nursing home – the family…
…instead of bickering at the table – hearts of thanksgiving…
…instead of the supermarket – the garden and kitchen. Work, yes, but many benefits, too.
…instead of family going different ways in the evening – game night and family devotions.
…instead of constant time with childish peers – find time to interact and learn from the older generations.
…instead of going out for dinner most of the time – more meals around the family table.
The family meal table and kitchen are where we civilize our offspring!
….instead of social media contacts – face to face interaction with a neighbor.
….instead of spending half your life in the car attending children’s activities- farm life, community, work and fun with other families.
….instead of the movie theater – a read-aloud or movie at home…
….instead of a Facebook status- a private letter or card.
….instead of shopping until we drop – creativity, knitting and DIY with our daughters (and sons) (or going to the consignment or thrift stores or garage sales). Keeping a journal, letter writing. Teaching to work with our hands.
…instead of a text – a phone call where you can hear their voice.
….instead of sharing thoughts on the internet- sharing thoughts face to face with the family.
We all hold dear the values that strengthened the family as portrayed in these winsome images. But, we can never go back to the former times (the good ol’ days), as we imagined them to be.
We must look to today and be thankful in all things the Lord has given to us. We must walk wisely and seek guidance to live amidst our increasingly pagan culture.
Questions Every Family Needs To Ask
~Do we need to go to the beaches and public pools? What influence does increasing immodesty have on out sons and daughters?
~Do we need to go to the mall with its materialistic and hedonistic displays? Are there other ways to get lovely clothes and save lots of money, too?
~Do we need to have all the latest and hottest electronics. Are we mindful of how we spend our time? Are we accountable on them?
~Do we run to the newest box office release or cultivate a love for the solitude of reading in the sanctuary of our own home?
~Do we model to our children how to care for us someday by caring for their grandparents now?
~Do we joyfully and thankfully prepare our own food (maybe even grow some of it) in order to take care of the temple that God has given us?
These are my thoughts: We don’t live in the ‘good ‘ol days’ but we can learn from them.
“Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.” ~Ephesians 5: 15-17
Last thought to address critical comments received:
This is not a post to shame or dismiss the horrible events of the past. All through time there has been terror and injustice. In the future, unless mankind can somehow attain to a utopian state, there will always be injustice and hatred until the return of Christ. My thoughts are not meant in any way to say we should go back to poverty and rampant discrimination, but rather to live in the now as God has given us, and to do it with care and wisdom.
The idea of a close family is the nugget I’m elevating, not the evils that were/are present. In 500 words or so I cannot address all of these things. For me, I wish to hold on to the good, avoid causing more evil, and be thankful that the bad of which some of you speak is no longer. I in-no-way wish to go back to ‘the good ol’ days’ ~ that was rather tongue-in-cheek. I had hoped that would come through!
Late added thought: (Generally) hearts were homeward and relationships so often were forged in the trials of those days. Hard work for your own family on your own property is not onerous, but hard work under a dictatorship or in a totalitarian state is grievous! When we start depending on the gov’t for this and that, there are strings attached, and we give up our freedoms little by little – we turn the power over to them instead of to the people.. I would much rather work hard on a small family plot (and fall in bed dog-tired but free) than have someone tell me what to do, and when, tax us over 50% for running a small business (like was our lot for years), tell us where our children should go to school, and teach them things that are contrary to our beliefs, make mandatory laws leaving little room for parental control, etc.
Ease and materialism is often a device of the evil one to distract and divide families. We have fought that trend for years…rather, give us the old paths (Jeremiah 6: 16) and have rest for our souls.
I might refer anyone interested to check out the book ‘How Christianity Changed the World‘ by Alvin Schmidt.
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Jessica@MakingHomeSweeter
Wow, several of the things you mentioned I had never even thought about before. And how nice to read that it’s not only okay to stay home instead of running around town all day, but better to do so. Society tells us that we need to “get out of the house” more, but I find that it only adds stress and fatigue to my little one and I. Thank you for such a thought provoking post.
JES
Wonderful words! I share your sentiments with ALL my heart. You are truly a kindred spirit 😉
Jacqueline
That blesses my heart heart so much…The LORD is gracious to bring us fellowship even through this media. He IS so good!
Karen
Well written…great post! I agree with it all. It’s really so sad how the lifestyle of today has gotten so far off the beaten path and towards an unhappy and strained way of living today, instead of ‘in the direction’ of true joy & happiness. It’s so easy today to get ‘side-tracked’ when it is still possible to have a life of good old values, if only, the right path is followed.
Thank you, Jacqueline for that you do!!!
Jacqueline
Thank you, Karen! I appreciate your kind words!
Bless you,
Jacque
Elisabeth@Lizzy's Nest
This is lovely, Jacqueline. Your blog has blessed me so much.
I want to let you know that I am passing on The Versatile Blogger Award to you, along with 4 other ladies. You can read about it here: http://www.lizzysnest.com/2012/01/sweet-award.html
Jacqueline
Dear Lizzy, What fun! Thank you so much for that! I will read about it and wait to hear from you! And thank you for your kind words.
Jacqueline
Dear Elisabeth,
Please do forgive me for being so slow to recognize and accept this sweet award. We have been going through a difficult time of me being sick with bronchitis, my Mom’s health and estate issues, and hosting some pretty big events for friends locally.
I accept this award and am honored to be chosen. Thank you very much!! I will begin to acknowledge it with a post!
Grace and peace,
Jacqueline
Lori
Oh how I loved this. We went to a seminar given by Michael Pearl years ago and he said he never went to the beach or mall because he wanted to take the command to “flee sexual immorality” literally. I loved that! A pastor who wants to truly follow Jesus in every area of his life, no compromise. This post gives us lots to ponder…
Jacqueline
Lori, I appreciate so much of what Micheal Pearl writes (though there are some things I take issue with); their ‘No Greater Joy’ material was what helped me get a hold of my anger issues when our children were small. I learned such great ways to do biblical discipline and not raise my voice or lose self-control…our children have been immensely grateful and thanked me often that they weren’t left to develop destructive attitudes. Praise be…
Jenni
Beautiful… So many of these things mirror my own desires for my family.
Jacqueline
Thank you, Jenni, JES, Jessica, and Lori. It is so encouraging to connect with so many like minded ladies in the Lord 🙂 It is a blessing to know we don’t HAVE to do the cultural norm and still be quite fulfilled and well-rounded in ‘real life’ 🙂
Donna
Wonderful! We do have to check everything we do. How are we representing our Lord, is it bringing Him glory! Thank you.
Christina
Thank you for this Jacqueline. I’m thankful to hear someone say to live in today. I have seen a trend among many believers who seem to want to live in another (often idealized…) time. Like that time was better than now. When the Apostle Paul told believers to be IN the world but not OF it (meaning don’t try to flee it- stay in it but be different from it) he was not saying it during some Pollyannaish innocent time. Human trafficking, homosexuality, drug use, and paganism were rampant in Roman cities. We are to live here and it isn’t always pretty. But if we hide or leave or blend it, what light is there?
Jacqueline
I totally agree… it isn’t pretty, but we must engage the culture where we are (at the store, in the business world, on the net…) may it bring Him glory!
Rhonda Devine
That was lovely, Jacque–in pictures and words:)
We surely make of this life what we wish it to be–may we live with no regret,
Rhonda
Jacqueline
Thank you for your kind words, Rhonda! I wish we’d be seeing you this weekend 🙁
This Good Life
I think it’s a mixed bag. Undoubtedly, some things were better in days past. There are many aspects of modernity that can be problematic and you have rightfully addressed some of them. But this modern age also brings us many blessings.
Being a person of integrity is neither about blindly following modernity nor about fanatically eschewing it. Values of integrity are timeless values, for both the past and the future. Family. Community. Friendship. Intellectual stimulation. Healthy living. Solidarity. Faith.
There is a real danger in idealizing the past, as easy as it is to love ‘vintage things’. The past is not a monolithic entity. There were rich and poor, good and bad people, hope and despair. The ‘good old days’ also means grinding poverty, the Industrial Revolution, few rights for women (whether one is a feminist or not, this is one point we should be able to agree on :)) workers or minorities, crippling disease, racism, colonialism.
So Jacqueline, I do appreciate your call for ‘homespun, vintage’ values as an act of faith, but faith is about loving mercy, doing justly and walking humbly with our God (Micah 6:8). The rest is historical perspective 🙂
Many blessings!
Andrea Roberts
Yikes!
I think this may romanticize the “good ol days” a bit but I think that most of the readers got the fact that it was about appreciating the little things in life and maybe even doing without a few of them to make the most out of life or give something back.
I am not going to give up cell phone just yet, but I haven’t upgraded to a smart phone. That $30 that i would have spent on a data package goes to something else. The money I “save” getting deals or using coupons, I don’t actually save. It gives us an opportunity to give more.
Yes, there will always be rich and poor, good & bad, hope & despair. The difference between then & now is that people were more apt to do something about it back then and looking back reminds us that today, we need to take a stand & do something again!
I post this comment sister to sister & remind you of Lev 19:17, Mat 18:15, 2 Thes 3:15, Titus 3:1o and James 5:19.
I hope and pray that you receive this as lovingly as it was sent. <3
Sarah Coller
Wonderful post! Yes, we can learn a lot from the “good old days”—taking the things that are realistically applicable now and making the best life we can. Good stuff…thanks for sharing! 🙂
Have a great weekend!
Mrs. Sarah Coller
Mrs. Smith
Beautiful, beautiful post! Jacqueline, I enjoy your wisdom and inspiration throughout your wonderful blog and it is so good visit with you. Prayerfully yours!
Kasey
This is all so sad and so true. We are surrounded by a crumbling world. We need to take cover under His protective wing! Thank you, Jacqueline, for always pointing us to higher ground!
Pam
Hi Jacqueline,
Thank you for your inspiration today. Seeking and finding hours of relief and space in the midst of all the public, noisy and distracting things that you mentioned would give us all a little more time to focus on our relationship with God and our relationships with other human beings, relationships that your illustrations so beautifully picture. (I am enthralled with your illustrations… so colorful and vibrant. Are they from a book?)
May God bless your day.
amanda
This is exactly how I feel. I crave a life like this; at different seasons of my life, I have been blessed to have it. The pictures you used are absolutely beautiful!
Blessings, Jackie!
Amanda
Heather @ Raising Mighty Arrows
Excellent post, Jacqueline! I long for the ‘good ole days’. Thank you for a great reminder. 🙂
Naomi
Jacqueline…what a precious post! Simplicity…where has it gone to? And yes, we can learn from then how we can be now. Thank you for the encouragement today. Grace & Peace to you.
Naomi
Can I share your post at my blog? Let me know.
Naomi
Jacqueline, I will be sharing your post tomorrow. I hope it was okay to use one of the photos. I can give credit if you want to pass that onto me. Mucho Gracias.
Dana Adams
Beautiful beautiful Jacqueline! You stirred up the constant longing of my heart~ letters instead of email, family around the table instead of dinner in front of the tv. Sigh! What a beautiful picture and post for me this morning! Thank you lovely lady!
Blessings!
John
I like movies, going to the pool and I learned a lot in school. I long for the good old days when people didn’t think they had it all figured out. Do you think Jesus stayed holed up in his house sipping tea and reading books while living in fear of the “pagans.”
Sola
Ah yes, the good old days!
Where women didn’t have the right to vote!
Where disabled children were locked away in institutions!
Where people died from illnesses which are easily treated today!
Where children had rickets from lack of vitamin D!
Where women were treated as less than a man, had no divorce rights, even if he beat her to within an inch of her life!
Where black people had to use separate bathrooms, entrances, buses and could be denied their human rights simply because they were black!
Where Native Americans were taken from their families and ‘educated’ in residential schools to be ‘good Christians’!
Where women and babies died in childbirth every day for want of medical care!
Those good old days! Weren’t they just fabulous! Tell you what, why don’t you move over to Afghanistan? I’ve heard that many of the things that you value are available right now, over there. Or you know, you could be thankful that you live in a first world country, where you have the freedom and rights to be able to make a post criticising that very society that gives you those rights.
Paula
Great post, Jacqueline! This gives us all things to consider…just because this is the way everyone is doing things now, does not necessarily mean that we should blindly follow along without thinking everything through.
Missy
Wow, That is a challenge. Our family is reading through the new testament with our family on Wednesdays. The church we attend is reading it as a church. It is a challenge having the little ones to get through the 5 chapters a week as the day we have is Wednesday evenings and we have to be sure the little ones 1 year old boy and 2 year old b/g twins are napping in order to read it. or put them in the play room next to our living room while we read. They usually want attention lol.. We are on week 4 this week though. I wanted to place my notes on my blog but being a mom of 8 I have not gotten that far. (only have a link with no posts yet) lol
Jayne
Wonderful post. Lots of food for thought. Thanks for sharing!
Jess
Ironic that you’d share this on your public blog instead of a private journal.
Jacqueline
Dear Jess,
If you read carefully, you will note that I mentioned that we must live in the world that we have been given. I don’t feel it necessary to run from where we’ve been placed in the continuum of history; we are called to be ‘in the world’, not ‘of the world’.
Sincerely,
Jacqueline
Adriana
I wish the world wasn’t such an evil place ~thanks for sharing your heart!
Adriana
Oh, yes! Thank you! I miss many of the simpler things of my childhood.
Dianne
beautiful post.
Katie
I know things were not perfect before . I don’t think anyone would argue against human rights etc….. That is not the point of what I took away from this post. I think it was meant to show the contrast of how far we have come in falling away from the things that matter most in life. The Lord,our families,relationships. We need to be reminded and encouraged to do the things that are good and wholesome . Thank you.
Jennifer Allen
This article just brought back so many peaceful memories of growing up in the 70’s! I LIVED outside as a youngster until the street lights would come on and all of us kids would be called home! What a carefree childhood. It’s challenging as I try to raise my kids (I still teach 4 at home) differently from the world. Thank you for this! What a breath of fresh air!!
Jacqueline
Aw Praise God, Jennifer! I hold on to those wonderful memories and treasure them, too! I am praying for you as you teach your own children! May the Lord bless you richly in the things that really matter! ~J