...the wrong era

There was a windstorm last night. A windstorm that caused a power outage in our little town (and apparently across the region). This power outage got me thinking about something I mull over from time to time.

I think about our society and the things that are a continuous internal battle for me. Sometimes I wonder if I was born in the wrong era (I know this is truly not the case and trust that God put me in the right place at the right time, but I still think about these things). Here are a few thoughts-
I struggle with the concept of needing a gym, a nutritionist, and vitamins in order to be a healthy person. I also struggle with the fact that we are always trying to figure out how to connect with others, yet when invited to join in fellowship we can't even find the time to give a proper RSVP or commit to attending when someone else is expecting and anticipating your presence. It also feels as though our modern conveniences give us more feelings of angst than ease.

In past centuries, people worked the land. This was their job and way of providing food for themselves and their families. There were no overweight people because they walked where they needed to go, they were required to get up off their butts to do their jobs and ate food picked fresh and full of nutrients... now we sit to do our work and eat preserved processed foods, some from far off lands butchered from who knows who and others picked way before it's prime, ripened on a truck or ship.
In past centuries, people tended to the fact that we were made to fellowship with others. Townfolk knew eachother intimately and knew the needs at hand. People sat on front porches sipping lemonade and iced tea. And when invited to a friend's home, they came because they knew it was important to connect. People danced- everyone knew how to dance! Another reason there wasn't a 'battle of the bulge'.
In past centuries, there were no microwaves buzzing and dinging. There were no airplanes, cars and busses causing noise and air pollution. There were no background sounds constantly distracting us from peaceful moments. People used to write letters and poetry, they painted and played the piano. Children climbed trees, used their imagination and watched clouds. There were times of silence and we were comfortable with that. Now people are 'bored' if they're not being entertained or 'doing' something. No one can just 'be'. We must 'do' in order to be of any value.

When I arrived home last night during the windstorm, my home was silent and glimmered with candlelight. I enjoyed the moment so much, I cuddled my daughter in the darkness and noticed how beautiful her hair was glistening in the light of the flames. I also hugged my husband a little longer than usual since we stood in the kitchen undistracted by anything else. We went to bed EARLY. I wished it could have lasted for days... the peace. The simplicity. The beauty of silence. My love of a power outage.

...no monetary value

Since my full time job has no timeclock, no sick pay or paid vacation, not much glory, not enough pats on the back, and no apparent monetary value... not to mention I'm not earning 401k, pension, social security, disability or healthcare... I thought I'd do a little research that you might find interesting or atleast somewhat entertaining. Or you may be thinking, "Really? This is how she spends her time? Phshaw." Either way, I am on a little mission to find out how much a modern day American mother would technically be paid for all her duties, according to http://www.salary.com/ . (keep in mind I took the low end salary with an Associates Degree as my education, of which I do not have- but exceed that in experience value)

• $33,600- Administrative Assistant
• $57,200- Home Healthcare Aide
• $54,000- Project Manager
• $35,000- Nanny
• $46,000- Academic Advisor
• $37,000- Taxi Driver
• $36,000- Youth Councelor
• $23,000- Housekeeper
• $47,000- Party Planner
• $68,000- Travel Agent
• $39,000- Personal Cook

Instead of financial security and a retirement safety net, I get to be a wife to an amazing man who loves me for who I am without asking me to change, a mommy to four children whom have been entrusted to my care, a daughter-sister-friend to so many people that I love... all of which I have the freedom to do because of my non-dollar-paying job. I don't know what I would do with all that money anyway :)

... family standards

Each family is vastly different... and while I'm not here to tell you that I'm an expert at how every family should do their thing, I can tell you that many people have asked me how I 'do it all'. And I can tell you the truth- I DON'T. We do it together.

Here are some of the things that are standard in our home. I call them 'standards' rather than 'rules' because there's always room for modifications and they aren't followed as a religion or checklist of musts, but as 'something we usually do'. I share these with you since I have noticed over the past few years that they may be what sets us apart from most.

• We nap. Sleep is #1 priority in our home- when we're well rested, we get along better and 'do life' better together.
• We have dinner together every evening with the tv off (although we're known to watch Wheel of Fortune together if we're eating at 7pm).
• Our family participates in the bedtime routine for our little ones- Mommy & Daddy dress them in pajamas, Mommy brushes teeth, someone reads a story, everyone gives hugs & kisses. My big ones are very connected and caring to the little ones even though there is a 9 year age span between the two batches. 
• We have an 'in your room' time for the big ones every night. This allows Mom & Dad to regroup after the day's happenings and chill out together.
• The children take care of their 'family responsibilities'. These are things that need to be done in order for our family to run somewhat smoothly. We do not pay them for these tasks, just as they do not pay me to grocery shop or keep the bills paid.
• Our big ones are responsible for getting themselves ready for the day. From setting their alarm to allow adequate time for morning routines to fixing their breakfast, preparing their own lunch, and getting to their destination on time. They have done this since they were 8 and 10 years old.
• Our children are involved in only one extra curricular activity at any given time, outside of church functions and school. They are not overscheduled and I am not overtaxed by trying to keep up with them.
• As long as I can remember, we have had one scheduled day off per week to be a family. It is typically Sunday. We'll usually go to church that day, sometimes go out to lunch or come home and nap. Relaxing stuff that helps us recharge our batteries. The only thing that is ever scheduled on this day are church functions.

So there you have it- I hope these things inspire you to try something new with your family that you feel needs some adjustment.

Be blessed-