If we could reach backward through time and retrieve a few things from our parents and grandparents, what would we bring back?  Certainly not their hardships, injustices or limited opportunities.  Progress has delivered extraordinary blessings. 

But somewhere along the road to becoming more prosperous, connected and technologically advanced, we left behind values that no technology can replace. 

                                   The dignity of work.  It built discipline! 

We talk about finding ourselves.   Our parents found themselves through responsibility, service, hard work and honesty.

We would bring back the sacredness of family.  Older adults played a part in the lives of their grandchildren.  Eating together after church on Sunday. Sharing stories around the dining room table.  Just eating together.

Children could learn about life lessons…..not from algorithm, but directly about the hardships and loss, work ethics, and family fortunes. Blessings from surviving but also blessings from receiving.

We have mastered communication without necessarily mastering communion. 

Our culture worships information.  Information is not wisdom!  Our elders understood the difference between wanting something and needing it. 

For many families, faith was not confined to a building one day per week.  Prayer, gratitude and accountability shaped everyday life. 

Our grandparents left instructions:

 Work hard.  Keep your word. Save something. Repair what can be repaired. Visit the sick. Respect your elders. Eat together and share stories. Pray.  Take care of your neighbors. Forgive those who have slighted you.   

When life slows you down, do not let the obstacles replace the joys that are also part of our lives.  “Weeping may come in the night but Joy comes in the morning! “(Psalm 30:5)

                        Learn from the past and take the best for tomorrow.