Back to the Olden Days

Some of my sisters and I used to enjoy playing olden days when we were little. We would dress up in long dresses that most closely resembled a pioneer-type era, gather supplies, and head outside to rough it for a few days. We would promise that we would camp out (in a tent) and really live without modern conveniences for awhile. Well, it never lasted through the night. It would start to rain, or someone might have to use the restroom, or a disagreement might disrupt the enjoyment. We would gather up all our supplies and head in, only to make another valiant attempt on another day.


I recently happened to read an article in Reader's Digest that interviewed a lady who had lost power in her home- and was thankful for the peaceful time that it created. She was forced to escape the constant noise that accompanies anything "plugged in," and she was overjoyed with the blessings that came with it. When I read about her experience, it sounded delicious. I know that we are incredibly blessed with modern conveniences and I hope I don't sound like a spoiled complainer. I just think there is something to enjoying the blessings that come with simplicity, even if that simplicity has been forced upon you.

I know that life was not easy for the men and women of times past. Most of them had to work hard from sun-up until sundown. But, interestingly enough, while we have scads of modern machines and "helpers" that they could've only dreamed of, we don't seem to treasure the downtime their assistance should create. There's nothing wrong with the modern pleasures we enjoy: They're gifts from God! But I know in my own life they can also become distractions from life's real pleasures. I'm not suggesting we form an Amish sect or anything. But maybe we should take a few days every once in awhile to unplug. I wonder what natural, delightful wonders would fill our time? Do you think we might come back to our modern busy-ness realizing that some "essentials" weren't missed after all? Sounds a little wonderful to me.