Thursday, May 27, 2010

The World According to John

Today John commented to me,
"It's a good thing this isn't the 1800's. They would never put up with all the squealing that goes on at our house. They were pretty strict."
We have had many 1800's discussions lately, since we are enjoying The Long Winter by Laura Ingalls Wilder as a read aloud. Although I think that in some areas we all are guilty of "chronological snobbery"-thinking that since the way we do something is newer, it must be superior, I am glad that I do not have to train my children to be "seen and not heard" for them to be socially acceptable. However, I must admit there are times, especially at the dinner table, when that rule sounds pretty good to me.....:)

2 comments:

  1. I've had the same thought about the dinner table! :) I wonder if Christians tend more to idealize the past; to think that life was sweeter, more simple, etc. I know this has been my tendency. I have to remember that though 'simpler' times may have had many advantages, so do modern conveniences! :)

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  2. I agree. I think that we like to think there was a time that was sweeter or ideal, i.e. with less sin, but there is nothing new under the sun! They were sinful, just like we are. Yet they had joys and strengths, without the conveniences that we have, which is one thing I like about historical fiction. It points out the excesses and weaknesses we have developed with our "progress", and reminds us that we could live without them. But I am glad we have them!

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