Do you ever think about the past generations ... your family? Your grandparents, perhaps? And do you wonder what they would think about today’s society?

I do.

Ecclesiastes 1:9 says, “What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.” In other words “history repeats itself.” 

These ghosts of our past could offer some insight, especially if they could compare today with their own era. They didn’t always comprehend all that was going on in their lifetime, but now these ghosts could explain to us history’s repetition while looking  backwards.

Those of us over say, 60, grew up during an innocent time of peace and prosperity (we thought). But, due to the Vietnam war and the Hippie revolution, times “were a’changing.” We were so busy we were oblivious. We didn’t notice. We lived life. Scurrying about, we thought we had all the time in the world. 

Herbert Hoover had promised years before our birth “A chicken in every pot and a car in every garage.” I guess we took that adage seriously. 

Way back then, newly marrieds of the 50s bought a family car, and financed a single (1,000 square feet) family home under the GI bill, while father worked an outside job and mother stayed home with the children. The family attended church regularly, and the children heard the 10 Commandments in church and school. Mothers were working outside the home by now, but society supported solid Christian values.

Then along came the next decade or two. And many sought (no not “sought”, but rather felt “entitled” to) two cars, a washer and a dryer, a larger refrigerator, and a television or two. Mom now needed to work outside the home to afford all of these gadgets. Church attendance was still a way of life, but voices out there were telling itching ears that society needed to be “liberated” from old thinking. “Free love” and “do what feels good” and “God is Dead” were “free thinkers” mantras.

The very next generation made sure the “chicken in every pot” was at least a steak or two on the grill, as well as a computer, a laptop, an i-pad, a microwave, a 2,500 square foot home, two cars plus a car for junior, and on and on. 

Mother and dad now worked longer hours, and kids soon were left to raise themselves. Oh, and no time for church now. Baseball games were scheduled on Sundays. Keeping the kids busy and giving them what they wanted would make them healthy, well-adjusted adults, right?

Then, like history of great nations of the past, soon other idols took the place of God. Who needs God? We did all of this by ourselves, didn’t we? Those old rules of “honoring this and that” are outdated. Obeying rules and authority? Nonsense. And instead, winning ball games, having fun. Run, run, run. No time.

We forgot morals. We liked motivational messages. Don’t remind us that we are sinners and that we need a Savior! We are just fine! And then, our children followed the “Piper” as well, as he led many over the cliff. 

Oh yes, I think I know what our deceased families would say. “What are you doing? How did you fall into this trap?” And they would add, “Pay attention. Slow down. Take time to listen. Love. Pray.”  

Is it too late? No, it’s not! It’s just up to us. It’s our choice.

Judi Tabler lives in Pawnee County and is a guest columnist for the Great Bend Tribune. She can be reached at juditabler@gmail.com or juditabler@awomansview.