Having internet access is isolating enough…

If we looked what was accomplished in times past in a day, we’d see that it took longer to do wash, but that you could talk with your family while you did it. It took longer to plant crop and work the land, but you did it with family. Your days were full, but they were full in a different way.

Things can get done faster today, but that doesn’t mean that we redeem the time to relax, we find things to fill it. And most of these things isolate, rather than build relationships.

And we wonder why families go in different ways.

Thanks for sharing these verses, you two! They’re perfect reminders for all of us.

Because the book contains so much scriptural based truth and illustrates so much of the principle “for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap,” (Galatians 6:7) it’s an accurate but tragic commentary on our times, though the setting is many decades ago. How far we’ve come as a society since Henry’s day – how far we’ve drifted from God’s ways to become a nation of debtors, self-sold into the bondage of materialism – affected and infected by the “spirit of the age.” Christians who read it, find themselves identifying aspects of their lives with Henry and his struggles – and the reflection isn’t becoming. It brings us up short to see the reality of the cost of following the world, even unconsciously, and losing our families along the way.

I recently wrote a tract entitled “150 Years of Progress.” It was specifically aimed to coincide with several local town celebrations that were noting that milestone. In it, I noted the technological progress of 150 years, but pointedly reminded the reader of the subsequent drift downward and away from the ways of God. Henry’s story was the background context that prepared me to write. The tract could be adapted to fit most any such historical celebration. We were able to pass out several thousand of them along parade routes to those who gathered for those celebrations.

Americans are richer than 97% of the rest of the world, yet for the most part, have never learned the secret of contentment. The more they have, the more they want. It is a self-destructive cycle as played out in the story of Henry.

“For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” (I Timothy 6:7-10)

Aunt Ruth, you’re right, you guys did experience “progress” firsthand! Since I was kind of an afterthought, born later in mom’s life, I always think of her generation as younger than they really are. I do remember visiting my paternal grandparents’ home and having to use the outhouse (they had relatively new indoor plumbing but didn’t trust it–so we still had to use the outhouse!!!)…I was sure shuddery every time I entered that dark old outhouse!

You know, mom, I’d forgotten about that poem, so was super glad I’d posted it here on the blog way back when. I still need to grab my oldest and show it to her. Wonder if she remembers it? She used to write songs and poems to Jesus all the time. Are you feeling better tonight? Seems like forever since I’ve heard your voice!

MaryAnn, exactly!! And it hits too close to home sometimes!

Mary’s last blog post..Casualties of the American Dream

MaryAnn Ashley’s last blog post..Sunset

Hi Sister Ruth, I remember that cold path to the outhouse. I remember once a week baths and then not much more water than to cover the bottom of the tub. I remember getting up at 4:30 to help milk the cows (with a machine, thankfully). I remember helping weed the beans. Good memories now that they are memories!