THE NEXT GENERATIONS
Folks my age and older have a tendency to jump on the bandwagon when it comes to judging and making declarations about the next generations. I’m not saying that some, maybe even most of what is said about them isn’t true, but we rarely stop to consider the world they viewed with wide-eyed wonder when it was their turn.
The things that the next generations have possessed are rarely caused by them…
I remember my dad telling us about his life on the farm. About pickin’ cotton as the son of a dirt-poor sharecropper. He chuckled as he rarely reminisced his early years and the lack of running water, the shared outhouse, and the JC Penney catalog.
That catalog was a valuable commodity for poor folks. A person, young or old, could flip through the pages and dream of having the finer things in life. They could fantasize about the distant future when they might have running water, fine clothes, and a home that could keep the snow out.
But that was a distant future and life for others. Their life was ripping those dreams out page by page, day by day, to use for what folks with running water and indoor plumbing could afford not to.
A kid from a more privileged upbringing has a hard time relating to other people’s stories from a generation when the standard of living sounded like something from a John Steinbeck novel.
My dad’s older sister lived in the same simple manner the majority of her life. That fact gave my siblings and I a taste of the world and the generation that forged the trail in front of us.
The California desert along the Colorado River is dreadfully hot in the Southwest summertime. Counting my aunt, uncle, and all the cousins, there were nine of them that shared the outhouse that was about fifty yards from the house. Not nearly far enough when the rare summer breeze kicked up. Using that facility brought a real meaning for what that generation used to describe as, “God-awful”.
I pondered my kin that used it every single day. I thought about my dad’s family of eleven that shared the same type of life. The nine by nine room I shared with my two brothers along with the shower all six of us split time using took on a whole new level of appreciation.
I’ve lamented a time or two over my kids and their perspective on life. They never asked to live in the manner that we’ve provided. The life the next generations know is the one we built and painted for them.
I lay in bed pondering my dreams and prayers. It’s easy to fall into the trap of our answered prayers. We tend to cherish the provision sometimes over the Provider.
I thought of the humble and sweet prayers of the simple man that uttered them in earnest. Then I prayed the words again with the same honesty, “Father, thank you so much for Your protection and provision. For the roof over our heads, for this warm bed.”
I slept like a baby remembering that God loves a humble heart.
May the next generations learn that from Him and this one.
Lisa
Sunday, February 14, 2016 @ 3:32 pm
You have received the gift of ” getting what it is all about.” No better gift to get and no better gift to give to our kids. Sending Love Lisa
Lynn D. Morrissey
Sunday, February 14, 2016 @ 6:27 pm
Floyd, this is a humbling post, and reminds me of stories my grandmother told me, when she and grandpa didn’t have “two nickels to rub together.” Times were very hard during the Great Drepression and shaped their lives in some good ways, but some fearful. My father (born in ’27) was greatly affected by their lack and worked far too hard and too long, fearful of not ever having enough. He wasn’t trusting God’s provision, and yet he was a good provider. But I would have rather had him and his time. I think it can be hard to relate from generation to generation, and I love that you are not judging young people. I’m afraid that I can (especially when it comes to how they dress or the things that they tolerate — like in the movie, entertainment, etc…..things that our schools and parents would never had allowed). But in many ways, they have a far harder time than we ever will. It’s important for us all to remember that in every generation, God is faithful to provide and to guide. may we keep our eyes turned on Him. This post is rambling ., Sorry. I’m rushed. Have a great Valentine’s day, and excellent post!
xxoo
Lynn
Cheryl
Sunday, February 14, 2016 @ 6:31 pm
Oh, my, this took me down memory lane! Not that we ever owned one of these as I was growing up, but some dear friends of ours did, and I remember “the path” that led from the back door to the outhouse very well! And, of course, my Daddy was raised like this. That generation truly thought they had it made when they were blessed with indoor plumbing. We have it so good, don’t we? You are right, we can be so harsh towards the ways of the next generation, but they truly don’t know what it is like to have to sacrifice. And, just like you said, we have made it that way for them. Thank you for another amazing post…you always brighten my day, both when I come by here or when you stop over at my blog. God bless you abundantly for the blessing you are to us all!
Diane
Monday, February 15, 2016 @ 3:12 am
Floyd, your humble spirit shines like a lighthouse in the darkness. I loved this post. It caused me to bow my head and give thanks.
Caleb Suko
Monday, February 15, 2016 @ 5:42 am
So this post brought several things to my mind, one is my experience during hot and dry Ukrainian summers in the village outhouse! The other is growing up with 4 brothers and 3 sisters and having only one shower in the house. My dad made a schedule for morning use of the bathroom. I think we each got 15 mins and if we went over then he shut the hot water off! I was smart enough to ask to be the first on the schedule knowing that inevitably my siblings would go overtime after me.
Brad Gore
Monday, February 15, 2016 @ 7:12 am
Very well said Floyd. It’s nice even for us to have a friendly reminder of our past as well as our families past. It sure helps us to appreciate all the wonderful things God provides for us.
Pam
Monday, February 15, 2016 @ 9:00 am
Great thought-provoking piece, Floyd. In the late 70’s Dick and I served churches that still used outhouses and several of our parishioners relied on them at their homes. I can remember using one when we went on vacation as a kid. (Seems weird now to think we would give up the luxuries of home to “vacation” where there was no bathroom.) They were simpler times, but very, very happy times. I actually miss those days and feel like my kids have missed out on something special.
Bill (cycleguy)
Monday, February 15, 2016 @ 1:51 pm
I was not privy to a privy in a house until I was in college and spent a week with a man who was preaching a revival in the church I pastored while in college. I would have been 20 at the time. I can remember being so paranoid that I would “hold it” until I got to a house or the church building before going. I was reminded then, and think of it now, how fortunate I have been and how blessed God chosen to make me.
Nancy Kehr
Monday, February 15, 2016 @ 2:20 pm
I had to laugh near the end of your post. I always thank God for MY bathroom! I hear myself say it out loud nearly every single time I go inside and turn the lock. I remember using an outhouse in Mexico when there as a teen for missions. At the YMCA camps there were better versions – but still an outhouse. Also In other various places during my times of being passed around as a child as well as visiting a family farm in Nebraska. Yes, we have provided things for our children that might be better than we or our parents had, because we could. there is no shame in that. As a foster kid, my siblings and I were mistreated on many counts. One was that we had to wash up outside and often were made to use an old bedside “Chamber pot” when none of that was needed because modern plumbing DID exist. I have made sure NOT to seek to deliver my children from every obtuse struggle as they were coming up. I felt like they needed to begin to develop and function in their own faith from early on. I DO believe that the next generation, will need to be hardened against adversity for some of the things they will need to face in the future. Hopefully, they will use their privileges and become spiritually discerning individuals. Great post, Floyd!
June
Monday, February 15, 2016 @ 4:45 pm
The majority of people living today don’t have the conveniences that we take for granted. Running water, indoor plumbing. I try to remind myself of this when the water is taking a little to long to get hot {or someone used all the hot water!} or I have to wait my turn for the bathroom, etc. Gosh, we’re so spoiled! And yet, as you say, a lot of it is perspective and, sadly, many kids now days don’t have the benefit of a family unit, and the knowledge that is passed down from one generation to the other. The key of course is your simple prayer, Floyd. How perfect and profound. It’s no wonder you slept like a babe!
David Rupert
Monday, February 15, 2016 @ 5:04 pm
My grandfather was a share cropper. My what stories he told. What a simple simple life. I have always tried to be grateful for what I have
Lisa notes
Monday, February 15, 2016 @ 6:18 pm
It is definitely too easy to be judgmental about those “youngsters.” But yes, humility is definitely a virtue that we need to pursue in our relationships with those younger than us, and well, those older than us too. 🙂 Thanks, Floyd. You’re making me very grateful tonight for all my modern conveniences, especially on cold, wet nights like this one.
Hazel Moon
Monday, February 15, 2016 @ 7:40 pm
Thank you Floyd for taking us back in time. Roughing it is good for children at least for a few days. So many camp grounds have provision better than the outhouse. My Uncle built us a two seater out-house complete with a door that closed, at my folks cabin in Coulterville. That was a good way to expose our children to a less than modern convenience. We used the spring for a refrigerator, and a bucket to carry water to cook with and to drink. A trip we made to relatives in Tennessee, exposed our children to a door-less out-house that did not even have a hole dug. Oh well. Honestly we were glad to cut our visit short, but also glad we came. I am like Nancy, and thank God for water in the house – kitchen, laundry room, and of course the bathroom. Thank you Floyd for sharing with us here at Tell me a Story.
It is also good for children to learn to garden at lease a few favorite vegetables.
Betty Draper
Monday, February 15, 2016 @ 10:21 pm
https://www.facebook.com/betty.draper.39/videos/t.521946132/10150665691366133/?type=2
your post reminded me of a song I have sung a hundred times or more and it never loses the value of it’s words. Blessings brother, blessings.
Dan Black
Monday, February 15, 2016 @ 11:28 pm
Humility is a virtues quality. Everyone needs to be humble but it’s not easy for everyone to adapt humility. Great and thought provoking post.
saleslady371
Tuesday, February 16, 2016 @ 8:34 am
I enjoyed your humble thoughts and too am grateful for everything the Lord has given me. I take from your words that we should not take anything for granted but give thanks for our comforts. My dad came from a big family also, 12 siblings, and we heard stories of a hard life. Definitely character forming.
Joanne Norton
Tuesday, February 16, 2016 @ 3:23 pm
And during the day and when I’m in bed I’m pondering the worshiping and praying and glorifying to the Lord. That’s all that counts for me any more when my brain ain’t working well and my walking is a challenge. SO focusing on the Lord is all I can do consistently. Anyhow, thank you, Bro. You’re always a treat for many. Bless you… 😉
Jennifer Dougan
Tuesday, February 16, 2016 @ 5:46 pm
Hi Floyd,
We had outhouses in Africa sometimes, or we had an indoor toilet that we flushed with a bucket of water from the well in Liberia. Sometimes we had running water in Africa too. I think it would be hard in cold climates though, whew! Did your dad’s Arizona get cold?
That seems so far away though now.
Your line: “We tend to cherish the provision sometimes over the Provider” is what hits me the most here tonight. Good reminder. Thanks, Floyd.
Have a great week,
Jennifer Dougan
http://www.jenniferdougan.com
Floyd
Tuesday, February 23, 2016 @ 5:56 pm
My dad was born in Arkansas and split time between there and Missouri as a kid.
Dolly@Soulstops
Friday, February 19, 2016 @ 4:50 pm
Floyd,
Thank you for modeling gratitude and humility. It is so easy to take for granted what most have never even experienced today. I appreciate your reminder…many blessings to you and yours.