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| Lake View near Mrs. White's home in Vermont. |
Something in the soul tends to slow down and be at peace, out in a rural area. We think of a vacation spot, getting out of the hectic "city" and just taking a break. Perhaps we avoid some technology (television, phones, etc.). Maybe we spend most of our time fishing, taking strolls, camping, and just watching a little TV in the evening hours.
We visit more. . . We are more neighborly. . . We have an abundance of time. We can read, study, write, bake, cook, and take the time to say "hello" to the few we happen to meet in a day. There is less of a need for money. This takes away many burdens and much pressure.
This, to me, is something like homeschooling.
Often, we think we need to be bombarded with social opportunities. We think we need lots of activities to be normal. When we aren't constantly busy, or around a ton of people, we think something is missing. This is like learning to live in a rural area; A place where few people live, limited stores, and the only public transportation depends on how far you can walk. This is often a culture shock, just like starting a homeschool. It is so different.
Somehow, as we learn to get through the adjustment phase, we find a blessing. We find the joy that is hidden underneath all the social expectations, and all the things we are told we are "missing out on."
We find that being in a rural area, is just the place to thrive. . . and grow. . . and become a productive, pleasant citizen. It is a place where our children can thrive, and grow in character and nobility. We are protected from the onslaught of humanism, ungodliness, and a worldly culture. We appreciate many more things. We are grateful.
We often have more time for prayer, for focusing on the needs of others, and for doing good deeds.
This is what I am learning, in the middle of nowhere, "trapped at home with no car," in Northern Vermont.
Blessings
Mrs. White
From the Archives -
Old Fashioned Thrift - Retirement Planning for the Poor.
The Reality of Getting By - A New England Winter on a Small Income.
Beautiful Living - Feminine Grace.
- To find out more about this blog, or Mrs. White, please visit our About page. -
7 comments:
I can completely relate! I was just thinking about this issue this morning. One year ago we moved from the city and all it's stresses back to my little childhood hometown that is in a rural area surrounded by a large Amish community. I can't believe the difference in me and my attitude, wants, desires, wishes, hopes and dreams living with LESS. Less is definitely more!! And peaceful!
Have been thinking of you wondering how your vehicle situation is and if your husband has wheels:) We live in a log cabin in the woods and I would not trade it for anything. I'm a wreck when I have to get on a busy highway and can't wait to get back home again:)I kinda feel sorry for the city slickers ,who in turn feel sorry for us because they think we are missing so much. Take Care. Becky
We've lived in a rural area for 18 years and are so glad we moved here for our kids. They have enjoyed much more freedom than they ever would have been allowed in town, since we worry a lot less about 4-legged predators than we do the 2-legged variety.
Living here has taught our kids a love of nature and God's natural world, and they have never missed city life.
Moving here for all of us was a liberating experience -well, maybe not for my husband who must drive a two hour round trip commute four days per week, but even he enjoys the beautiful drive home since half the route is rural and winds around and follows the river and mountains.
We live 15 miles from the nearest small town and 45 minutes from the nearest larger towns were there is major shopping available. Our trips are few. Since my husband commutes, he picks up groceries and does needed errands while in town. Once every couple of months I go into town just to "window shop" and find I can withstand any pressure to buy indiscriminately. When people get out of the habit of running into town to do this or that, they will find their paychecks last longer, and they only spend money on what they need as opposed to being tantalized all the time by consumer objects.
Love it here and wouldn't have changed it for the world. It taught us all frugality and conservation of time, money, and energy, and an appreciation for God's beautiful world unmarred by hoards of traffic, noise, and the demands of "normal" life in the cities.
I agree, living in a rural area can be fantastic! Even though we live in a more modern trailer we are in the middle of what used to be a lot of farmer's fields. I love it but someday wish to find somewhere even less crowded. It is a simple, but wonderful, way to live!
I love this! It's easy to feel pressure to put your kids in every activity. I 100% agree with you that the busyness is not what life is about.It;s about furthering his kingdom and taking time to form relationships.
We've only lived full-time in a rural environment for just over 5 years but it's an amazing difference. I can relate to all the sensations you referenced, and our friendships here are much deeper. I've found much more meaning in my life since being blessed enough to live here! (visiting from Frugal Days, Sustainable Ways)
~Taylor-Made Ranch~
Wolfe City, Texas
Last year a poll worker called and started asking questions. One that stuck with me was, "Are you fearful going outside in your neighborhood?"
"Yes," I replied, "but not for the reasons you think. There are bears and coyotes out there in the woods!"
Northern Maine, the way life should be.
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