Photo Credit: Treasure Again/Creative Commons
I love nostalgia. I think it’s because it calls to mind homespun values and simpler times.
A few decades ago, the family was the heart of the home. Sundays were reserved for worship, neighbors helped neighbors, and tradition held meaning. We were less concerned with keeping up with the Joneses and more interested in the result of due diligence.
We were focused on the intangible and the cost of that sacrifice.
Friendships weren’t discarded because of trivial meanderings.
Even the political arena seemed a bit more gracious.
Sometimes, I mourn what today’s generation will miss. While we’ve made great strides in medicine, education, and technology, I believe we’ve fallen short where morals, manners, and compassion are concerned.
Integrity almost seems “old-fashioned.” Respect, a lost art. And spiritual reverence? Hmmm…The regard for holiness has most certainly declined.
Because we remember a softer, gentler day, we’re lulled into believing all is lost. Perhaps, that’s why effort appears lazy. Why mindsets grow hardened.
It’s easier to contemplate things as they were rather than consider circumstances as they are.
It’s human nature to compartmentalize certain instances in our minds. We tend to file away the happy and categorize the sad. We render “the sad” somewhat forgettable, but lessons learned. It’s not as painful that way.
- Photo Credit: Chiot’s Run/Creative Commons
“The happy” we recall again and again. The memory becomes shinier and more vivid each time it bubbles to the surface. We may even embellish the thought, tweaking the memory until it suits us. Nothing wrong with that–as long as we’re able to separate myth from truth.
Keeping life in proper perspective brings freedom.
While today’s culture is different from yesteryear’s, I think there’s still hope.
Yes, our culture has changed. Priorities have shifted. We’ve become jaded by bad news and society’s ills. Still–we mustn’t let our minds be clouded by the world around us.
Reality is harsh, but temporary. The promise of something better ahead is the truth that nudges us forward.
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What’s something you miss about the past?
What are you hopeful for in the future?
The winner of the $10 T.J. Maxx gift card is Loree H.
Congratulations, Loree!
My next giveaway will be toward the end of December. Every time you leave a comment and/or sign up to follow this blog, your name’s thrown into the hat for my monthly drawing. See the rules/info here.
Photo Credits: Creative Commons
Blessings Always,
Comments 8
Some things I miss about the past–kids playing out in the yard of their own accord, not having to schedule “play dates,” since neighborhood kids just hung out all the time, and I definitely miss the stronger sense of values/fear of God, even in Christian circles.
Hopeful for: Christians deepening their faith because they have to (adversity), signs that God is still on the move in our homes, and writers who are trying to make a difference for the Lord, like you, Cynthia!
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Heather, in many respects, “the good, ol’ days” were better to a degree. I suppose that’s why I love nostalgia and all things vintage. And while I do miss the past, I’m hopeful for the future, too, because of what Christ has promised us. As believers, we always have that present, blessed hope!
I loved your words this morning: “…signs that God is still on the move…” Thanks for your input!
You know what’s interesting? I think the rise of technology is actually feeding a sense of nostalgia and we might eventually see a turn back to some of the things we’re missing now. I know so many people who have become incredibly intentional about eating meals together, having family time, etc, because they miss it and crave it. So…that’s cool.
Something I miss: That feeling of not having to be connected all the time. 🙂 Don’t get me wrong, I love my iPhone as much as anyone. But I’ll admit, I sometimes look back wistfully to the days when email was my only online commitment. 🙂
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Melissa, our family always shares breakfast and the evening meal together. I realize that’s not doable for a lot of families today because of time constraints or other commitments, but it’s something we agreed upon years ago. You may be onto something, too. Simplicity and “getting back to the basics” seem to be striking a chord with folks moreso lately. No matter what stage our culture is at, I believe many still long for those homespun values.
(…I do have to admit. I also like my iPhone.)
Congratulations to Loree!
I miss wholesome television programming.
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Patti, yes! Remember when we could watch television with our children and not cringe at commercials?
Wow! I’m catching up with my blog visits and found that I won a gift card! Awesome! Thank you!!
I love this post, Cindy! I think you and I grew up in the same time period. When I think back, I saw the ultimate reality TV show as a youngster…I actually saw man walk on the moon. Times were less stressed, even when they were stressed – if that makes sense. I can close my eyes and remember…playing outside until the street lights came on – we always had a game of Capture the Flag or whiffle ball going on in the empty lot. We flew kites, fished, and played in the rain, or sprinklers on hot days.
Nowadays, people play video games and rarely leave the computer or smart phone to communicate. Even one on one, some has their phone out.
On Sundays, we went to church with the families, and had Grandma’s fried chicken and potato salad picnic lunch with the cousins. We spent many Saturdays at the beach. (Lake Michigan) We had three choices of ice cream – vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. Eating a drive in hamburger or pizza was a real treat!
People have changed…morals, manners and all.
I still watch Andy Griffith every once in awhile. I grew up in a close knit rail road town much like Mayberry. It brings back so many memories, from the Currier and Ives plates to the friendly soda fountain at the drug store. I take out my mom’s Currier and Ives every once in a while, and we have coffee in the cups…just like mom. Good times.
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Loree, I think we should have been next door neighbors. What beautiful memories you called to mind.
And congratulations again! I’ll get your gift card in the mail!