I'm rolling right along through the month of November, writing every day about
things for which I am thankful. Today, on day thirteen of
NaBloPoMo, my entry is somewhat a companion piece to
yesterday's post. In addition to being grateful for being born in the United States,
I am thankful for being born in
these times.
When the world and my life seem to get too stressful, I yearn for simpler times. I am often reminded of scenarios I've seen depicted on television where life seemed more managable. I long for the "uncomplicated" existence of the people on
Little House on the Prairie or
The Waltons where the focus on home and family overshadowed all else. I wonder why my life can't be easier, spent more naturally...
Then I remember that if I didn't live in modern times, I would have long ago been eaten by a wild animal, fatally bitten by a poisonous snake or wandered off a cliff because my eyesight is so poor...
As much as I complain that the modern world is too demanding,
I am thankful that this is my time on Earth. Not that I had any choice in the matter, but compared to any time in the past, this is the time for me.
I mean, how could I function without my daily shower? I can't start my day without flossing and brushing my teeth. My hair is absolutely hideous without product. I wouldn't want to think of how dry my skin would be without moisturizer. I won't show my face in public without makeup.
I just spent three traumatic weeks without a dishwasher...I can't imagine washing dishes - and laundry - by hand all the time. I shiver at the notion!
How would I cope with the arthritis in my knee without diclofenac? How could I prevent unwanted pregnancy? How could I make sure my home was stocked with plenty to eat?
Basically what I'm saying is that if I were born in those "idyllic" times of the past, I would be an unattractive, dirty, visually impaired, crippled, potentially malnourished woman with dishpan hands, bad teeth, atrocious hair and dull skin.
What a catch! On second thought, maybe the lack of birth control wouldn't have been a problem after all...
All things considered, most of the time
I am thankful that these are the times of my life.
