Defending the Past

I was visiting with Mom and Dad today and they were in a rif of defending the old way, yadda yadda yadda.  I don't feel well today, I DO need a slight unfill then I need a long nap-but sometimes that state can create insight.

For some reason, in the midst of a ramble on education and parenting, I got a knowing look and a "although some teenagers are more difficult than others-I won't bring it up any more....."

I said "Why does the past have to be right or wrong?  Each generation should improve on the last-but that doesn't make the earlier ones wrong.  The past is the past like grass is green and not purple-and that goes for mistakes as well.  They just ARE"

I think sometimes we spend so much time declaring that the grass is green we forget to get out and mow it.

I agree TOTALLY!  Our past, both the good and bad, molded us into the individuals we are today.  How are we supposed to know good vs "bad" if we never experience either?  Aren't we supposed to question things that happen in our life, make our own decisions, flop on our arses or excel beyond every and any expectations if not given the freedom of making choices?   As young folks, hell, even as grown adults, we are offered information and guidance, and it is up to US on how we process and utilize it.

My simple response to those who are determined to live not just in their past, bt MINE as well, is that it is said that they cannot get past things that have been praised or forgiven...discussed or pushed under the rug...good or bad...Yeah, we all like to recall those "remember when" days, but when those recollections bring forth harsh feelings or continue to take their toll on people..unproductively, I might add...it is time to pack it away and live in the PRESENT, and look forward to the FUTURE...


OK, methinks the coffee is makin me a bit feisty today, lol

There is a scripture that says something like this.....Don't say that the former days were better than these because who is to say that they were really better or worse than today?  Basically each generation looks back and thinks their time was better than today....All I know is God made each today as well as the past....You can always look back and ponder the goodness or evil of the past...but today is the future and it also is in God's hands.... Most of this thinking comes from Ecclesiastes, which is my favorite Book. It is a book of ponderings of life!
You my friend pulled the question "Why does the past have to be right or wrong?" right out of that book. You think as I do, and from reading the Bible, you think like generations have thought....I guess we listen to the past generations and just wonder. You are a wise friend!! I like having wise friends!!    Sherry

I agree!  I also have to call on the verse in the Bible "Today is the day that the Lord hath made.  Let us rejoice and be glad in it!"  The past is the past.  We have today and don't know what tomorrow will bring.  I'm sure glad I don't have to live in the past with my old problems and growing pains....today is awesome!!!

Some FINE examples from my "yester-years of love":


"don't make me pull this car over"

"you talking back to me?"

"Go get me a switch from the whiperwhil tree" ( my grandma was like indiana jones with those)

"I'll knock you into next week boy"

"you think that was a spankin'?  I'll show you what a 'real spankin' is"

"I'll give you something to cry about mr!"

"if they put their hands in the fire, does that mean you have to do it too?"

"stop looking under her skirt youngman!" (I was just making sure her panties were fitted properly"

So there ya go....old-school at it's best...

T.

Cowboy, I think you ARE my brother!! I heard all those exact quotes too! lol

Deb, My mother is full of sayings....I have told my kids, that if I start that crap, they have permission to make me aware of it! So far they are doing a great job of that!! I am never nor will I ever be to old to learn to do better! As for my mom....it's a hopeless task and if I hear her say
"Make it a good day" one more time.....Or just call me Mrs. Usta cause I usta do this and I usta do that!!! I am going to lose it!!!!! lol

I think some things just get ingrained in our elders and they aren't really saying it any more, it's just habit.  And I'm guilty of saying things like that myself too-automatically.  But every now and then I true and do a little self review and see if something that just came out of my mouth for the zillionth time is still even true.

With SOME older folks (and some younger folks) a well timed "What the heck does that mean anyway?" can diffuse tension.  Be careful, cause if you pick the wrong time, you might get thumped.