Pioneer Ponderings

Hi all,

Hope you're enjoying the weekend, with an occasional pondering directed toward pioneer ancestors and their accomplishments. Having said that, I'm going to share a brief thought I've had in recent days. It's something you've probably heard before---I'm convinced that someday, when we meet up with our pioneer ancestors, they will be just as impressed with all that we've accomplished during our day.

True, we haven't had to walk for miles, day after day, pushing or pulling handcarts. Nor have we been driven from our homes by angry mobs. (Unless you happen to be one of those who adores cranking up the stereo to ear-splitting levels, and this annoys the neighbors. My mother has a neighbor who not only cranks up the stereo, but she then sings along as loud as she can. Most interesting. Especially her selection of music which ranges from '70's ditties to those popular in the '80's. Awesome! )

Our trials are very different. We face tremendous stress every day, compliments of the current economy mess, numerous natural disasters, health conditions, and at times, choices made by family members who struggle greatly in today's crazy world. We are bombarded daily by negative images that show up on TV, in movies, magazines, on the internet, and even on our cell phones. We live in an amazing age and access to technological wonders is becoming common-place. Can you imagine one of our pioneer ancestors trying to figure out how to use an i-phone? The internet? W-ii?

The challenges we face are different, but we can show the same moral courage demonstrated by our ancestors from an era long ago. We can stand strong for the things that we believe in. We can continue on, even when our hearts are shattered. We can also set a good example for the generations who will come after us.

Someday, our descendants may reflect on all that we survived during our era. I'm not saying there will be parades and family cookouts commemorating these events, but I'm sure they will be impressed, knowing we persevered during an extremely challenging time. And that's what it's all about, right?