Retired from the World

One of the covered bridges, here in Vermont, Dec. 2024.

The culture around me has changed so much in recent years. Advertising, marketing, and constant news have seeped into almost every aspect of life.  I read that television was not commonly in American homes until the 1950's.  Now we have much more than this with the internet. It is noisy in the world of society.  Our thoughts and spending are affected by the culture. It is difficult to think when we are walking along the glittery road of life. 

In rural New England, we have the opportunity to step away from the hectic pace of life.  Winters are bitterly cold, keeping me indoors. It is the season of rest. It is the time to remember simple days from long ago.  Thinking about the history of family and faith can bring a sense of calm. It reminds one of the beauty in old-fashioned living. 

As this year is coming to an end, we have the opportunity to start fresh in the New Year. I want this to be a peaceful year. It could be a year of contentment and rest regardless of the normal trials and storms that always come along.

We will find joy in simplicity. Stress and pressure will melt away when we are not caught up in the latest message of the social world around us. With each passing day, we can gain a greater sense of purpose in the quiet work of serving in the background. 

The other day, the house was peaceful and quiet.  I went to the window to watch a group of snow-birds playing in the trees.  Red cardinals were in a little nest nearby. Snow was falling heavily making the landscape white and peaceful. This reminded me of the blessing of serenity in home life.  

In the coming months, there may be hardships with health, finances, and much more. These often come throughout each year. I want to face them with grace and patience. I want to be ready for the daily tasks with a cheerful and willing heart. 

 When we realize there are far more important things in our short lives than what is happening in the culture around us, we will experience a sense of relief.  

Serving the Lord each day, as we trust and let go of our fears, is wise.  Remember to give our burdens to our Heavenly Father and find goodness in the daily work at home. To find a way to live in the world, but not of it, is a great accomplishment. I want to learn to do this each day.  My hope is to retire from the world, and settle in to my ordinary life of homemaking.

May your Christmas and New Year bring joy and peace.

Blessings

Mrs. White

From the Archives -

A Simple Life - How to Stop Buying Things that Clutter up the Home. 

Old Time Frugality - Keeping the Family Homestead. 

A Precious Lifetime of Duty at home at - The Mission House.  

 

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For happiness and cheer in the kitchen:

Mrs. White's old fashioned cookbook focuses on serving meals and setting the table in a humble home.

"Serving in the Kitchen: Cookbook with Recipes, Advice, and Encouragement for the Christian Home"

152 pages, paperback