Somewhere along the line we have this image of how good things were in the olden days. If you examine the picture I’ve attached to this post, you’ll notice the woman smiling as she laboriously works through the task of laundry day. Today, we simply throw our clothes into a machine, add some detergent and let the machine do the work. We have become accustomed to the aid of machines taking the place of physical labor. Those olden days are usually just made up memories designed to give us a feeling of nostalgia.
Living is hard. There are going to be obstacles no matter how convenient things may seem today. Can you imagine doing your laundry in this archaic manner? What if you were wearing a tie and it got stuck in that wringer thingy. Or maybe one of those strings on her bonnet took a turn for the worse. As time progresses, we often look back and wish for those good old days but forget about how easy life is today from a physical standpoint. We don’t have to make our own soap. We don’t have to use a scrub board to get those deep grass stains out of blue jeans that have become impossible to clean. We don’t have to squeeze the liquid out of the fabric, rinse again and again and hang those same clothes on a rope with some wooden pins.
Almost all the things from the past are ancient history. We glorify those days and deem them as perfect, but time hasn’t changed the real challenges we face each day. We may have a lot more time on our hands, but we still worry if we’re going to be able to pay the bills. We still fuss over the state of our government, but often fail to vote or take an active part in the problem. We see the ugly side of life as someone else’s problem and hope that someone else addresses it. We hand our kids an Ipad when they’re small children and expect them to be entertained while we cope with daily issues or worse yet, stay glued to our phones all day.
Every generation has problems. Every generation thinks they have the answers for those problems. Every generation thinks their generation knows everything. The real truth is that every generation is like every other generation. Time may change our lives drastically as progress occurs, but the basics of living often get lost in the shuffle. The beginning of understanding comes from experience. Some of the greatest lessons in life come from our history. Sharing those times with new generations might be the start of creating a common thread between us. Instead of complaining about the new generation, let’s start looking at the gifts they bring to the table.
POETRY BY KATHY BOECHER©
A quiet town, a peaceful place, much different than today,
A place that stood the test of time was built to last that way,
As we look back and reconstruct what families had to do,
The work they did to just get by, is far beyond our view,
How can we simply raise our hands in protest and despair,
And waste an opportunity while not giving a care,
To easier solutions, for problems solved and fixed,
Expecting others’ changes, while we put in our licks,
To get the issues finished, to get us back on track,
We have to start to talk again and not behind the back,
A face to face discussion, debate and discourse too,
Can solve so many problems, and bring a new breakthrough,
The right to speak is precious, but we must pull the reins,
With calm deliberation, we can release the chains.
atimetoshare.me 
Love this post. The good old days, where I would so often like to go back to, definitely had its setbacks. But how I long for that simpler way of life! Your poem should be sent to all of our politicians, but more than that, every one of us should follow your lead! ❤️
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Oh thank you for your kind words Sheryl. I too would love to go back in time, but all our days on this planet are numbered and heaven is our true home. Every day makes me long for it more.
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Amen!
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Love the poem, but those without scruples will ignore it.
One of the problems we have as voters is to distinguish between the relatively honest politicians and power-hungry demagogues. In this day and age, that problem has an obvious solution. Whereas the relatively honest politicians seek to discuss problems and propose solutions, the demagogue promises Utopia and condemns his opponents for standing in the way. Often the demagogue tells outright lies and accuses his opponents of lying. Therefore, as voters we need to investigate what the candidates have said and done, and we need to vote for relatively honest politicians.
Note that I keep saying relatively honest politicians. Why? We don’t get to vote for perfect people. The best we can do is to vote for people who are trying to be perfect. When we do that, we punish the demagogues who have no intention of trying to be perfect. These arrogant people think they are already perfect.
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I totally get your frustration. I sometimes feel like we don’t really have a choice anymore and that bothers me a lot. Unfortunately those who are honest and care about our country run up against a wall when they try to implement them. It’s no wonder no one wants the job anymore.
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We have gotten ourselves into this mess by believing the promises of the demagogues. Until enough of us learn our lessons from the suffering that demagogues heap upon us, we will be frustrated.
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God is still in control❤️
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👍
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You’re a gift. I wish more people knew you.
Today I did something old-fashioned. I took food to my neighbors and visited with my 87-year-old neighbor who probably won’t be here much longer. I have a lot to learn still. And he, YOU, and so many of a generation that worked much harder than me, have a lot of wisdom to give. I long for simpler times, but interestingly, these “times” are hooked to values such as hard work, kindness, determination, and long-suffering (not “quitting” because someone said something you don’t like).
Thank you for reminding us that God is always in control. Thank you for using common sense, knowledge, and kindness. Thank you for being YOU! Much love.
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Aww you are such a wonderful blessing to us and so many others. Your courage, faith and zest for living are more than admirable. Thanks for always lifting me up with your kindness. Love you😍
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Thank you, Mama K. I’m so glad we’re here together. You inspire me, too. Much love every day! I prayed! And will continue throughout the day.💕🙏🏻
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