THE GOOD OL' DAYS

Several years ago I heard Willard Collins, past president of David Lipscomb University, speak on the subject of "The Good Ol' Days.  His point of reference was from the "thirties" nearing the end of the Great Depression.  He said that even though he had fond memories of his mother baking bread every day and the wonderful smell that permeated the house, he also likes the idea that he can go to a store now and get fresh baked bread in a matter of minutes.  He also remembers the buggy ride to worship on cold wintry mornings.  His father had heated a brick on the hearth and placed it under their feet for the journey.  "Isn't it great that we can just flip a switch in our cars and have instant heat or cool air."  "The Good Ol' days weren't always so good," he would say.

However, the "Good Ol' Days" were good in many ways.  At least a hundred years ago we got married for life and it was not predicated on the notion that if we become dissatisfied we could just make a change.  The reading of Scripture was a respected part of home life.  People wore decent clothes that concealed the curvature of one's body.  Families had a devoted loyalty to one another and nearly everyone believed in God who created the universe.

I think there was much about life that was lived over a hundred years ago that was much simpler.  Life was definitely harder, but somehow there seemed to be a sense of accomplishment that came from it that made it all worthwhile.  The joy of having the peace that passes understanding that comes from living for Him.

—Paul