Yesterday morning I read from my (NLT) Bible: ‘And when your land is once more filled with people,” says the Lord, “you will no longer wish for ‘the good old days’ when you possessed the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant….’
Many ‘older’ friends look back at the good old days with fondness. Men yesterday morning at our Men’s Shed yesterday morning recalling work, cars, family members no longer with us… Yesterday afternoon at the football, stories of the ‘glory days’ of previous seasons… This morning at church, remembering full churches, traditional hymns, thriving Sunday Schools… I remembered the old country song ‘Grandpa – tell me ‘bout the good old days…’
Grandpa, tell me ’bout the good old days
Sometimes it feels like this world’s gone crazy
Grandpa, take me back to yesterday
When the line between right and wrong
Didn’t seem so hazy
Did lovers really fall in love to stay
And stand beside each other, come what may?
Was a promise really something people kept
Not just something they would say
Did families really bow their heads to pray?
Did daddies really never go away?
Whoa, whoa, grandpa, tell me ’bout the good old days
It describes a time when life felt less complicated, there were clearer moral values that emphasised right and wrong… relationships were more stable and dependable as people stayed together through hard times… there was deeper respect for family life and faith in God…
Grandpa, everything is changing fast
We call it progress, but I just don’t know
And grandpa, let’s wander back into the past
Then paint me the picture of long ago
Did lovers really fall in love to stay
And stand beside each other, come what may?
Was a promise really something people kept
Not just something they would say and then forget
Did families really bow their heads to pray?
Did daddies really never go away?
Whoa, whoa, grandpa, tell me ’bout the good old days
This morning I read: ‘This is what the Lord says: “Stop at the crossroads and look around. Ask for the old, godly way, and walk in it. Travel its path, and you will find rest for your souls…’ I‘m a grandpa, so I can:
…Remember the good old days, the good old ways… past lessons learnt… values, relationships, commitments that I’ve lived by.
…Recognise that change and crossroad-choices are inevitable. I don’t blame others or make excuses. I live in and enjoy today, but can’t stand still. I have choices to make about future direction.
…Retain good, enriching memories of the past as I travel my unknown future path. As grandpa I can share my experiences and perspectives as I maintain and develop my faith, hope, and love.
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