Simpler times?

Winter may not be my favourite season, but I do appreciate much of its unique beauty. In the summer I’m often awake early, waiting for the robin’s song to announce sunrise. But in the winter’s darkness I need an alarm clock to rouse me from hibernation. Bleary-eyed, I follow the aroma of fresh coffee into the kitchen. (Yes, I’m so addicted that I program the coffee maker to have it ready when I come downstairs.)

I get the fireplace going, pour a cup of the magic potion and retreat to my spot on the sofa. I check the weather forecast and read a few blogs. Once I’m fully awake and partially caffeinated, I help myself to a second cup and pick up my Bible. These early morning hours are precious and peaceful.

Every new day offers a fresh start. I’m never more hopeful or optimistic than in the quietness of winter, especially as we start a whole new year. What unexpected joys might the coming year hold? What bad habits could I shed over the next 365 days? But the New Year doesn’t eliminate old problems, I know that much.

My current nemesis is a creature called “Busy.” Busy has been around as long as I can remember. Busy’s partner is “Hurry.” Together they keep me constantly running and convince me that I’m never enough. I pack as much frenzied activity as possible into each 24-hour period.

Built to last

My thoughts are interrupted by the chiming of an antique clock that graces our mantle. It once belonged to Jack’s grandparents in Holland, a gift for their fortieth wedding anniversary in 1954. Although it’s older than I am, it continues to do its work faithfully. No batteries or electricity, all it needs is to be wound up now and then and it keeps on ticking. At first the loud chime seemed rather intrusive. By now it’s a comfortable part of the ambiance, a reminder that some things are built to last. It hearkens back to a simpler time. Or does it?

I think about Jack’s oma – Neeltje de Looze (1889-1965). I’ll bet she didn’t struggle with chronic busyness and insatiable feelings of inadequacy. She had no driver’s licence, no car either, no fancy appliances, no computer, smart phone or internet. It all sounds quite serene, until I consider her reality. She lived through two World Wars, the Great Depression, the Spanish flu pandemic and a typhus outbreak. She watched three of her six children die before they reached the age of six months. She nursed her terminally ill daughter-in-law who died at the age of 25 from cancer. She herself survived two rounds of pneumonia which left her in a permanently weakened state. Not such an ideal life after all.

And yet, by all accounts she was a kind, loving, faithful woman who never complained or wallowed in self-pity. She just soldiered on as best she could. I do not envy her life but I admire her perseverance.

Life is short and full of trouble. That’s biblical and universal. So – resolved for this New Year – I will not daydream of “simpler times” that never existed. Instead, I’ll remember that my times are in God’s hands and be grateful for it.

That’s right – take a hike, Busy! And take your buddy with you.