No, we’re not making any drastic changes (I hope) but the other evening I was sitting at the computer, looking out the window. Since I was sitting in the same position for half an hour or so at that time of day when the sun is just going down, I could see changes in the sky each time I looked up. Have you ever seen a beautiful sunrise or sunset and ran to get a camera, only to find that in the few minutes you were away, the whole scene had changed?
That night I was thinking about change, how slowly or quickly it can come, and how we react to certain changes. As I thought about sharing my thoughts here, I wanted to take photos the next night to include in my post. The next night was Saturday night and a storm was rolling in, which didn’t yield any much needed rain, but did give me the opportunity for some great photos.
How often do you think about how the day goes from daylight to darkness? I never really think about it. It’s daylight. Then it’s getting dusk. Sometimes, because I wait until the cooler evening to do my chores, I’m rushing at dusk to get finished before darkness overtakes but often, in my “busy-ness”, I only notice that it’s daylight and then . . it’s dark. I don’t see it, nor do I stop to think of it as the daylight so gradually fading to darkness.
Day Giving Over to Night
A pastor from years and years ago, often gave an example about how we accept or fight change. I don’t have his words exactly right but basically, it’s this — if faced with sudden change, we’ll often squawk and take a stand against it. Gradual change is more readily accepted by most of us. An example he gave is a frog. Remember . . this was southwest Louisiana where we grew frogs as big as medium sized dogs (almost) and love to eat frog legs!
He said if you throw a frog in a pot of almost boiling water, he will immediately jump out. If you put him in a pot of water that’s room temp, and then turn the heat up to boiling, he’ll sit right there and die. The example illustrates how we often react to change . . we accept a little at a time but don’t give it to us all at once.
Evening Sky
I think about folks from 100 years ago. If they could see the changes that have happened in our country or in our society, what would they think? For us, who live with the subtle changes day by day, we accept many of the small changes . . that lead to big changes. We can say that we need to mind our own business and be more tolerant but sometimes I wonder. Yesterday we went to Wal-Mart and Big Lots. This is not a rant against Wal-Mart or Big Lots! When we got in the car, I told Vince . . I will NOT go back there on a weekend! Not ever . . not for anything! People have no pride. They are rude. They scream at their dirty little children who look like it would take a wire brush and SoftScrub to get them clean. A young man was sitting in his pick up with “music” blaring and the words were words that should not be heard in public.
Vince said “What has happened to us as a society when this kind of behavior is ok?” I told him that my feeling is it’s because families have broken down, children are not being taught morality, respect for others or themselves. We’re living in a world where too many, including parents, do only what they want to do, without respect for others or for the welfare of their own children.
Maybe I’m old. Maybe I should be more tolerant. Maybe I should be more open to the changes but I see dusk settling in on us as a society. I see darkness fast approaching and yesterday, I didn’t see niceness or compassion or consideration of others. The majority of what I saw . . I wish I hadn’t seen. I can say that I don’t want to go to Wal-Mart or Big Lots or probably the grocery store on the first weekend of the month but not seeing it doesn’t mean the world is a better place.
Night Has Arrived
Many changes in our society are good. I still see lots of good in the world. I’m not one of those saying we’re going to hell in a handbag . . not yet anyway. Sunday as I was following Vince around Big Lots, we ended up on the book aisle and I saw Bibles. I wondered .. does anyone ever buy a Bible any more. Then we went to Wal-Mart and I was convinced too few Bibles are sold and read. No matter what your religious beliefs, how can you not see that life is better when you practice the Ten Commandments and the Golden Rule?
Maybe instead of curtailing gun sales, we need to teach “Thou shalt not kill!” Maybe instead of installing more security systems, we should teach “Thou shalt not steal!” No matter what you believe, how can you argue against the basics rules of life?
Can we ever get back to a point where people care about covering up parts that should not be seen, where people aren’t proud of tattoos that say bad words and are plainly in view of children . . often their own children; where people treat their children as little people who have feelings and need to be taught respect . . and discipline; where people smile instead of scowl; where folks are genuinely courteous and kind?
Will things change before the darkness completely overtakes us? I wonder!
Deborah says
May I pass this post a
long?
Melody says
Well said, Judy. I feel the same.
Dottie N. says
Right on, Judy…..I agree with everything you’ve said.
I can say that my kids are raising my grandkids the same way they were raised, which is the same way my DH and I were raised and, from what you’ve told us about Chad and Nicole, they’re bringing Addie up the same way.
We can only hope and pray that more people will take time to teach the “Good Book”.
Dottie N. says
P.S. Should have added that your photos are GREAT! I enjoyed watching the sun set.
Linda B. says
I couldn’t have said this any better myself. A few years ago my husband and I went on an Alaskan cruise. We went in September, so not many young families. We did have a lot of elderly people on board. Before we left Seattle, we spent sometimes in downtown Seattle and were astounded at the language used by young people and the rudeness in general. On the cruise, we we amazed at the politeness of the passengers. No swearing or rudeness, just really good people with manners. We wondered what had been lost in just the last generation or two and where society is headed. I yearn for a nicer, gentler society.
Donna F says
This is a really good post and I agree with everything you said. I have a friend that just had a baby. I was thinking about buying the baby a bible with her name engraved on the cover and I wonder if it would be accepted? What will she do with it? Would she appreciate it? I remember my mother taking me to get my first bible and it had my name engraved in gold. I was so proud of it and still am. I have notes still inside from years and years ago and i still read it. I think that was one of the best things my mom gave to me. Not just the bible but the desire to do good and be a good person.
The things I see happening with kids make me sick to my stomach at times. I think they are exposed to stuff they have no business knowing about much less watching. It’s so sad. I wonder how much worse can it get? I see entirely too much selfishness in the world…greed. It’s a crazy world out there. I envy you and Vince, you have a wonderful life, one that my husband & I are striving for. Out in the country, away from the crazys in the world. You are able to control everything around you. Right now we live in a townhouse in a really nice neighborhood but we still experience the crazys. We watch our lazy neighbors let their 2 year olds run the streets alone almost getting hit by a car on a daily basis and if you try to tell the kid to move out of the street the parents get angry for telling the kid what to do. Crazys!
Doug R. says
Well said, Judy!
Tina in NJ says
Lovely photos. The last one looked like something N. C. Wyeth would paint.
There is light and good in the world, just as there has always been evil such as profanity crime. Chaos is the path of least resistance. It is also the exception, which makes it easier to notice. Just look at the news. The best argument to me is a good example. Yet my son still texts at the table.
Micki clemens says
Your photos are beautiful! That said I totally agree with you. I am 69 and the world has changed so much that I fear for my grand kids and their future. We have accepted this awful behavior and it has multiplied! I could play freely growing up,roam the streets, ride my bike, play in the woods- my grands have never done any of that. I fear for us, our civilization, our future. All I can say say is pray hard !!!
Mary in VA says
My husband and I jokingly blame it all on the hippies (we’re both from the tail end of that era). Seriously, you’re right that we as a society have stopped teaching the basic values. Add to that the popular shows that show a skewed world-view where politeness and courtesy are not important, and it’s no wonder what you see in a Walmart. Do I believe we’ll fall into darkness completely? Not so long as there is still someone out there who values respect and raises chickens and grows vegetables.
Donna says
This post reminds me of an incident several years ago. I was at work when my oldest son called me to say he couldn’t go to work that afternoon. When I asked why this is what he said, “Mom, I went to get in my car and the new neighbors across the street were outside with their kids. Mom, they were cussing their kids at the top of their lungs. I’ve never heard that before so I ran back into the house and I don’t think I can go back out and listen to that.” He was so appalled that day. He had never seen children treated that way. I can tell you that 13 years later, although he’s lived in apartment complexes and heard it many times over, he is still appalled by that behavior. I hope he always is.
Diana in RR, TX says
We often have that same discussion. It seems it is much easier to take the easy way out now. And you know there are a lot of people who are raising the next generation to be responsible, but we don’t see them often enough. If I have to go to Walmart on a weekend I am there and done by 10 AM.
Loved your pictures. Were they taken on Saturday? We were out around sunset on Sat. and the sky was absolutely breath taking. I did take a picture but have not downloaded it yet. Our trees have become big enough now that we really can’t see the great sun rises from the bedroom windows or the sunsets from the office window where my computer is. I miss that, but we do enjoy the shade from the trees! Can’t have both.
Kim Webb says
Great post, Judy. I feel the same way..
Karen S. says
Amen Judy. Perfectly said.
Susan says
My thoughts have often paralleled what you’ve said in this post. I see society breaking into two parts, not necessarily socio-economic split, either. There’s some of the same decay in attitude in both parts, but I see more awareness in one part, and more effort to fight against the negative changes. I hope we can change back. It’s been a long time coming, maybe a whole century, a bit at a time. I don’t think we can wait for a century of fixing, or there won’t be much left. A lot of wonderful changes have come about, but it’s the changes in people, attitudes and respect for one another, and for life that disturbs me.
pdudgeon, says
“Will we fall into darkness completely?’ many will, but not all.
There will still be a remnent who honor God at the end in spite of everything that society is doing today to discourage all morality and all honor and all truthfullness.
in today’s world martyrdom is now practiced daily on 6 of the 7 continents of the world. As the last hold-out, our continent isn’t far from the times when we will see martyrdom here too. with people dying for what they believe in.
Already across this nation laws are in place to restrict freedom of speach and prosleytizing along with the right to bear arms and possess registered firearms. more of the same will be comming down the pipeline from our government, including long-laid plans to turn the Homeland Security forces into a nation-wide armed force to be used against the public (that’s you and me) if necessary to quell any uprising by citizens concerning their constitutional rights.
Think that couldn’t happen here?
it’s already been done in the Middle East.
What you’ve seen at Wal-mart etc. is just the tip of the comming iceburg.
Cindy says
Very well said. I catch myself staring at the way people behave in public. Yes, we can return to a better way of living but the person is going to have to want to. I can proudly say my four grandchildren are being raised in church, pray before eating, place their hand over their heart when they hear the National Anthem or see the American flag.
Mary Jo says
Amen, Judy! And your photos are great!
Paula says
Judy, I agree with you. Something you left out though. Wish people would quit going to Walmart in their pajamas……so sick.
Paula in KY .
Cindy Kuipers says
I agree with you, Judy. Not a day goes by that my husband and I don’t say “What is wrong with people?” I have worked in an elementary school for 14 years. The attitude of the students and the parents has certainly changed over the years!
Robin says
As the others have said before- well said- I agree completely.- it feels like everything has gone down hill over the past 40 years- too numerous to even mention.
Terri says
Amen.
Mariel Broadwater says
I so agree with you Judy! It is so sad to see what is happening in America today. I’m so thankful for my eternal hope in Christ and pray people start buying and reading those Bibles. And, better yet, start teaching the truths in it to their children. Only then, will they be able to take the focus off themselves and care about others.
Your pictures are wonderful and thank you for sharing yourself with us!
Linda says
First off, GREAT pictures.
Yesterday after church I meet my son and his family for lunch out. My son ask my grandson if he had told me what he was reading. He is 7 years old and I could have fallen off my chair when he told me he was on page 373 of the Bible. School is out so he goes to day care and takes it with him. Of course it is a children’s version but I’m sorry to say that is more than I have read.
Bobbie Whittington says
Amen!! I agree with you completely.
Sandy says
I live in a neighborhood with people of all ages and as far as I can tell, the parents are doing a good job of raising their children to be good citizens who work hard in school and have good manners. The children know me because I walk my dog, a big, friendly guy who doesn’t mind being hugged by them!
The folks at my local Walmart, both workers and customers, are cheerful, helpful and friendly. I shop there frequently and have never felt uncomfortable. Politeness is the rule in my part of the south! If you’re first in line at a red light and you don’t move when it turns green, the people waiting behind you will just wait until you move. If someone beeps their horn at you, you know they’re not from around here!
Dora, the quilter says
I find almost any time I go to Wal-mart I encounter people who behave the way you describe. And, yes, I am getting old–but I’m still appalled by pajamas in public, big bellies sticking out of clothing, vile words in tattoos or bumper stickers, and rudeness and cruelty to children. It seems logical to me that children with nothing interesting (or safe) to do, will become rowdy. But most of all I worry about the children being treated so cruelly and wonder if there is any hope that they can grow up and learn to treat anyone respectfully.(And I think I want to know where Sandy lives, because I might want to move there!)
Sandie says
Thank you so much for putting my thoughts in your words!
vickie van dyken says
Amen…another one. I agree with you in your observations and your worries. I think we need to put God back into our schools. The schools need to reinforce the morals that the parents should teach. Schools that have gender neutral bathrooms (Oregon) I think NOT.It is scary what the kids are taught. Parents who don’t teach kids right and wrong, Good and Evil, leave it to the schools….and they are not doing a good job. Families need to spend dinner together, talking and other family activities. It does not take a village to raise a child, it takes a loving concerned God fearing parent.
I used to think I was becoming my Mom….but I think that society has gone down into evil sooooo far that I need to be better than my Mom and try to effect a positive change. Things are just crazy and I hope I can be part of the solution. We need to pray and stand our ground, or our country will cease to exist. To many takers, I want to be a giver but I think now I must be vigilante and diligent to make sure that those I give to are worthy of a hand up…not out 🙂
Carol in SW MO says
Judy, I totally agree with you. I sent a link to some family and friend so they could also read what you said. Unfortunately it isn’t just a Wal-Mart, but K-Mart, Target and just about any other store that you find this kind of behavior and language. I am reminded of a time when I saw a child standing in a shopping cart and Mom wasn’t paying any attention. I told the child, he should sit down so he wouldn’t fall. His Mom heard me, turned around and looked at me like I shouldn’t tell her child anything! Oh, well, I tried. I always like to see the children in church as this is our future. Even tho they may stray, the values they learn will always be with them.
Donna F says
I have to add one more thing. One of my biggest pet peeves is wearing a tank top with spaghetti straps and short shorts! Never in my life, even as a teenager, did I ever think it was appropriate to let your bra straps show in public or wear shorts that if you are bending over shows your business. I think a lot of it comes from celebrities dressing in this manner and our kids think it’s ok. My mom & dad would never let anyone in their home come out looking like that. I guess I must be “old”. lol. Ok, end of rant. Sorry.
Helen Koenig1 says
Judy, I substitute at different schools in our community – K-12 – and what you say is SOOOOOOO evident. Especially when I sub at a junior high school where the kids think nothing of dis-respecting the teacher and even the principal – to their face, loudly, when a boy pretends to be aroused (obvious pretend) when walking by some girls or when being corrected for misbehaviors by the teacher. And worst yet – this seems to be standard at that school. What happened to our respect for ourselves that we allow this? What happened to those who are supposed to teach this to the children – to the teachers, the ministers, the parents who are supposed to teach moral values and appropriate conduct to children and who are supposed to show appropriate conduct in their own behavior? I pulled my son from public school because I didn’t like the mores of the community and the school that were there and taught him at home and am VERY proud of him and his behaviors today as an adult. But that still begs the question – when kids act out without fear of consequence and without bearing responsibility for their actions – where will it end? In another Columbine? Worse?
JanetB says
This past election was the first where those who take handouts out-voted those who fund the handouts. Yes, it has happened a bit at the time and here we are. We should start with prayer back in schools and kids back in church.
Eileen Keane says
Judy, I couldn’t agree more!! It broke my heart back when our grandson was a baby and his other grandfather taught him to say B___S___.
Thank goodness he doesn’t remember. His mother, our DIL, has reversed her father’s “joke”. But it says something about what people think is alright around children.
AngieG9 says
The photos are beautiful Judy. I have hundreds of sunset photos I have taken from my 16th floor window over the years. They are all beautiful, and no two are alike.
I read through all of the posts, and someone said something about marterdom in other countries and possibly soon in our country. We are already experiencing martyrdom here, and have been for many years. Think of all of the school shootings and the children who have died because of one or two young people who wanted their names in the media. They are the martyrs. The people who died on 9-11 are all martyrs. Our military people who die on a daily basis fighting an unwinable war are martyrs. I’m one of the hippies from the ’60’s and I was there when this country decided to fight in Viet Nam. That country has been at war for several centuries, but this arrogant country thought they could go in illegally and win the unwinnable. Now they are in Afghanistan, dying for a lost cause in another war that has been going on for centuries.
I am happy to say that my children were raised to work for what they wanted rather than be given everything that came along that their friends were given. They took pride in what they earned, all have a great work ethic to this day, and all are raising their children the same way. Sadly my two great grandkids have wealthy grandparents who give them everything they want, so I am not sure how they will turn out, but I pray their parents will raise them to respect what they have and to work for what they want.
My last opinion, I promise. I think a lot of today’s problems began when prayer in the schools was banned. The children are now raised without knowing how to pray, some without a church family to help them learn right from wrong, and that is being passed down to their children, so they really don’t grow up feeling God’s presence in their lives. They see violence around them on TV, in the movies, and in the “music” they listen to. When that is all they see or hear all day, they begin to think that is the way to act. If we could get them to church, get God back in their lives, then I think there would be hope for this country. As it is going now, I can only see dark clouds with only a bit of sunshine trying to get through.
Vivian Oaks says
Lovely pictures, and I agree with everything you said. Although I’m afraid I’m one of those that thinks our world IS going to hell in a handbasket. I have days when I wonder why I ever had children….the way the world is today, I’m sorry I brought them into it. I’m sure they’d disagree, but I think I’d rather live back in the 50’s….
Linda says
Well said, Judy, Ree and others. Let’s do what we can. Let’s resist apathy. And always, always pray.
Machelle H says
Fabulous post Judy!! Beautiful pictures and beautifully stated. I agree completely.
Peg says
VERY WELL SAID, Judy! It appears you’ve struck a nerve here and many of us feel the same way. Your gorgeous photographs beautifully illustrated the sentiments you shared as well. Thank you!
Peg says
One more thing – I see a few mentions about how we should never have banned prayer from school (something I completely agree with) and I have to ask …WHY do we continue to allow the minority rule the majority – e.g., allowing atheists convince the government to ban prayer from schools? We’re constantly bombarded with how the majority of Americans should quash their beliefs and principles to “honor” minority opinions or desires. I’m not talking about race – I’m talking about special interest groups who insidiously blackmail all of us into letting them call the shots and have their way, and it’s usually because we’re afraid of – or just tired of – being called hateful, selfish, evil or what have you. And as someone else pointed out, when the takers out-vote those of us who fund the hand-outs, our country is well on its way to being lost for good. Or should I say for bad?
Bon says
Judy, you have echoed my thoughts exactly. I look at my street which was a quiet place when I moved in 22 years ago. Now I hardly ever have my doors or windows open because of loud music and people yelling at each other and dogs barking. I am with you 100% on your post. It’s kinda scary.
Linda in NE says
I won’t shop in the big stores on the weekend either. Thank heavens I have Tues. & Wed. off work so I can go then. The weekend crowds and noise are more than I want to deal with.
Paula….people come to the library in their PJ bottoms and slippers too. It’s one thing to be comfortable, but you would think they could take at least a little pride in their appearance.
Karen says
Nicely said Judy. Bob & I frequently have similar conversations. I get so tired of listening to people always blaming someone else instead of taking responsibility for their own actions. Makes me crazy!
EagleKnits says
I agree with everything you said, Judy. I saw this every day when I was teaching high school. It was so obvious which kids had been taught values, responsibility, and respect for others, and which ones had been taught that the world should revolve around them. If society is to change, it will have to start in the home.
Katie says
My boyfriend and I have similar conversations almost daily. We are of the same generations of which this behavior seems to be the worst (I’m 31 and he’s 40) and I cannot imagine behaving the same way. I grew up in an abusive household, with a missing religious foundation, so I know the choice can be made to change and treat others with respect.
I will continue to put good thoughts into the world and pray our society will turn from the darkness.
Joanne Eggleston says
Amen!!! Well said.
Tracy says
If you look for goodness you will see it too. Sometimes it takes a bit longer to find, but believe in it and you will see it. Be the “change” you want to see.
Judy L. says
If you read often, I think you know I do look for good. When there’s so much of what I saw on Sunday and you’re having o look for good and it’s harder to find, there’s a problem. When walking through a parking lot with a car stereo blasting vulgar language, I’m not real sure where to find good in that situation.
heather sedlacek says
Judy- you said this so very well! I agree 100%! I love reading your blog about the peace you have found in the country. As we prepare to leave the city and find our own piece of heaven in the country, you always seem to say just what I have been thinking but can’t quite put into words. Thanks Judy!
Amy (Waunaknit) says
Amen! I often think about the same things.
Mary L. says
I feel the same way you do Judy. I used to work in an elementary school that was in one of the poorer sections of our town. Most of the children received free or reduced price lunch and breakfast. I think that a lot of our problems are due to a deterioration of family values and respect for others. We used to say at school that for the children to be successful the parents had to be 1) awake, 2) sober 3) and able to read themselves. Often they blamed the teacher if the child received bad grades – these are children who never completed homework assignments and were behind grade level in reading – often receiving extra help from volunteers and aids. Unfortunately, the schools could only do so much. One of the things we most hated about Pres. Bush’s No Child Left Behind was that it punished teachers for student’s failure. It never took into consideration that the child actually had to attend school in order to learn. I spent at least one half of every morning dealing with absences and tardies. I don’t know what the answer is but somehow we need to reinvent family values and just plain respect for other people and property.
Linda says
Judy – I see you filed this under worthless chatter. I think you might want to move it to valuable chatter! This is why I am so envious of you out on your ranch, away from all of this “stuff” that is happening in society. I shop a lot by using Amazon Prime, so I don’t have to go anywhere, and I buy most of my food at Costco, so I can go once every couple of weeks and be done with it. And, I try to go in the evening in the middle of the week, so I don’t have to deal with the crowds standing at the sample stations like pigs at the feeding trough, blocking the aisles! I’m not sure what has happened to society either. From public behavior to TV shows where you select your husband or wife from a group in front of everyone, etc., precious values have broken down. I long for the days when we kids rode our bikes all over creation with no fear and came home to dinner with mom and dad at the table, feeling safe, secure, and loved. Things are so different now, and it’s really sad.
Lee says
I don’t know how I missed this post yesterday, and before I got to Linda’s (#52) comment, I was thinking the exact same thing: this should not be categorized as ‘worthless chatter’. You spoke/wrote well, and every point valid and thoughtful – not a rant, but from on very concerned and heart-broken for what we see in society…the frog slowly warming to his death as he ‘tolerates’ ever hotter water. Perhaps an even better question, of those Bibles that are purchased, how many actually read them, and obey the Word of God? Clearly the 10 Commandments are missed everywhere these days, but even just the first 2 could suffice, as both would then take care of the remaining 8 and the other thousands of ‘commands’ in Scripture.
Diane Volk Harris says
This is a thoughtful post and I thank you for it. Well said, and I couldn’t agree more.
Valorie Spanogle says
I totally agree with all that you have said. I have heard the research from a mixed religious panel that most of the decay in society is linked to the decline of the family unit.
Ranch Wife says
Looks like we need to build a bigger soapbox. 🙂 You speak wisdom and truth and it makes me sad. I think that for the most part, people have turned away from the morals and values that built this country in the first place. What you and Vince experienced in sadly becoming the norm and it breaks my heart.People are completely clueless and I don’t even want to think about where that leaves us in the future.
Stella Nemeth says
You had a hard day. I stay away from some places on the weekend just because there are too many people and I don’t like crowds any more. But remember, there is also beauty in darkness.