Sunday

I think back on the Sundays of my youth with nostalgia.  I get a "feel good " feeling recalling those days devoted to church and family.  I must confess that I have my doubts about some of the religious teachings and organized religion, especially in light of 9/11 and the trouble caused by the religious fanatics.  However, much more good came from an hour a week devoted to moral teachings than harm.

Following church, there was always a big family dinner, with real conversation.  There were no distractions, such as soccer or baseball.  It was a unique opportunity to strengthen the family bond and to reinforce it regularly.  The entire day was a chance to call time out and regroup.  There was a feeling of freedom,  from work, from school, and from obligations. 

We now seem to have replaced this day with a day much like all the rest.  There is no time for reflection or moral contemplation.  There is no relief from the stresses of work or school.  Activities pack the day.  There is no time set aside to  be with the family.  

I guess that I am again on "the wrong side of history". We are led to believe that history is progress, rather than regress.  But in my gut I do not feel that this is always true.  Some things that are part of our heritage were meaningful, and I grieve the loss.  

Old guys are past their prime.  We are now being "put out to pasture".  But somehow I think some things we held dear had a timeless significance. Why else would I have such fond memories of this special day?