When my daughter and I are riding, she often asks me, “Mommy, will you tell me stories about when you were a child?” Of course, it was this type of conversation that prompted: “Were there chariots when you were a child Mommy?” …. argh, but for some reason she really enjoys hearing how I used my imagination.
Things certainly have changed! I only had access to cartoons on Saturday mornings. I knew once American Band Stand or Souuuuuuuul Traiiiiinnnnn came across the screen, my cartoons were gone. I didn’t have video games or educational devices to occupy my time. I played outside all day and never considered the fact that someone might snatch me away.
My child loves to hear how I made mud pies and decorated them with Nandina bush or Polk berries. I roamed through the woods and explored mossy areas all by myself. I climbed through barns and made houses out of dog fennel weeds. I climbed trees and brought my toys outside. A white bike with a banana seat and a rusty green swing set (that turned over more than once with me) provided many hours of entertainment as well.
My child has every toy she has ever wanted (being an only child). She doesn’t have “video games” per se, but she has access to the computer where she can play educational games. And let’s not forget the Leapster Leapfrog that has entertained – uh, educated her for years. With satellite, she has access to 24 hour cartoon networks and with a DVD player, a child friendly movie is always at her fingertips. When I was a child, our TV stations ended at midnight with the American Flag and the USA anthem. We had to wait until Easter or Christmas to see the special holiday cartoons and movies. Now people can watch them all year long if they desire.
My daughter doesn’t know what it is like to be on the road without access to a phone or what it is like to need something from the store on a Sunday — with all stores closed (at least until after church).
Now fast food restaurants and stores are open 24 hours a day. Constant access surrounds us. We are continually stimulated by lights and sounds. We have computers in our laps — computers in the palms of our hands — computers strapped to our ears. Technology is everywhere we turn!
STOP
No wonder we are stopped in our tracks when it comes to the Kingdom of God. We can’t rush God nor can we place an instant order or demand on Him. It takes time to nourish a relationship with our Maker — to learn His Word and to understand His ways.
Psalm 46:10
Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.
Be still? What a foreign concept in our world.
Be still.
Be quiet.
Listen.
Rest.
Stillness.
Know that He is God.
He
is
God.
Great post, Beth!
Beth – I enjoyed your trip down memory lane because I have many of those same childhood memories.
Being still before God has been on my heart of late and you are right, being still is almost a foreign concept.
Great post!
Beth, I could identify with your walk down memory lane! My mom used to shoo us outside on Saturday morning after our dose of cartoons. We had to entertain ourselves with our friends. And we had no trouble doing that. When the firehouse siren went off that was our signal to return home for lunch.
I’m so glad that your daughter is interested in learning about your childhood. Many children never ask nor want to know. My niece Katie also loves to hear the stories of my brother, sister and me when we were growing up.
But the most important point in your blog post is the contrast between the Kingdom of God. Yes, be still and know that He is God Almighty. His timing is perfect. His ways are perfect. But we must be still and listen and then …obey.
Preach on Beth!
Blessings and love,
Debbie