On a shelf across the room in my office sits a line of antique, paperback songbooks (some from as far back as 1920). These well used hymnals were part of weekend family singings where small groups of Christians from the community came together to sing praises to God. And if those worn out pages could talk, they would tell the stories of voices echoing off hardwood floors and butter churns…about families sitting down (outside of Sunday service) making a melodious noise in worship to their Creator as they gathered around pot-bellied stoves and open fireplaces.
Simpler times. Less distraction. Most family units weren’t obsessed with advancing monetarily, but the main focus was to advance spiritually…to show and live loyalty to God and honor toward others. It was a time of integrity, where a handshake meant more than the ink on any official document. Responsibility was taught and exemplified by the work ethic of godly fathers and mothers…and there was no such thing as bankruptcy because that meant you were a liar.
In reality, relationships and accountability have changed from the helping Good Samaritan…to passing by on the other side of the road. We now have no more time for face to face conversations or tangible compassion. Hectic schedules seem to be snuffing out a simple consideration of others above self. O for simpler times with less distraction…
How true. Those were the times when your family, neighbor and brother/sister in Christ meant more to you than yourself. Today we don't even know who our neighbors are, much less put Christ first in our life.
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