Hustle and bustle. Hurry and scurry. Those are definitely the words that describe our lives today. It seems as if everyone is running to and fro dealing with the daily details and tasks of life, but very few of us take the time to slow down and savor our blessings and gifts each day. And I get it. We’re all busy! That’s just the way things are. But have you ever considered that our ancestors and others of long ago were probably much busier than we are, just trying to survive and eke out a living, yet they enjoyed much slower-paced lives by far? It’s definitely something to think about.

I teach ELA at a Christian school three days a week, and my third and fourth graders have been reading Little House in the Big Woods—such a classic featuring the Ingalls family and their pioneering adventures. Of course, I’ve had to explain some of the terminology or describe Ma’s old-fashioned jobs such as making butter and cheese or Pa’s tasks of harvesting maple sap to make maple syrup or gathering honey from the ‘bee tree.’ The students, however, have been absolutely fascinated with the story, and more than one of them has commented about how nice it was when Pa told stories or played his fiddle at night before bedtime.

Do we slow down enough to spend time with OUR families before bedtime, perhaps reading a favorite book together or just discussing the events of the day? Do we spend time together in worship and prayer?

The students have also realized that the Ingalls family had to work hard for their living, yet Ma and Pa also appreciated what they were able to accomplish with their own hands and were thankful for what they had. Of course, we can’t over-idealize or romanticize things because sad events and tragedies happened, and their lives were indeed difficult.  Yet, they valued their skills and opportunities, and Laura and Mary were taught the same lessons. It’s obvious from Laura’s later life that she definitely learned what her parents taught and modeled. Hard work is never wasted!

Are we also modeling thankfulness and the value of hard work in a cheerful way?

The sweet slowness and simple pleasures from the book have also appealed to the students, just as they did to my own children when we read this title (and the others) years ago. They enjoyed hearing about Mary and Laura’s first trip to town or how the girls thought that receiving a single cookie each from a neighbor or a piece of candy was a treat—little things that meant a lot to them. I honestly believe that we all crave simplicity and peace down deep in our souls, although we don’t always realize it. But our Lord meant for us to enjoy His creation and take delight in the simple things such as sunrises and sunsets, the feel of grass beneath our feet, the unfurling leaves and blossoms on trees, the beauty of a rose, the sweet taste of watermelon, the cool breeze upon our faces, or water splashing our ankles as we walk along a sandy beach or play in a stream.

Are we expressing delight in God’s blessings and His creation on a daily basis? Are we teaching our children to do the same?

I highly recommend finding books to read and share with our children (or grandchildren) that focus on slow living, small pleasures, and even hard work. Yes, we (and they) will still have to live and function in our busy world, but it’s always nice to take a break and hearken back to a simpler time when the ‘little things’ WERE the big things. Faith and family were most important, and life was meant to be savored and enjoyed—not rushed through at the speed of light!

We must strive to teach our children to appreciate the same sweet values and core principles, and future generations will be the better because of it!

As Laura Ingalls Wilder herself said:

“It is the simple things of life that make living worthwhile, the sweet fundamental things such as love and duty, work and rest, and living close to nature.”

The original ‘Little House’ series books are amazing, and the My First Little House picture books are also wonderful for younger readers!

*I recently visited the Laura Ingalls Wilder House and Museum in Mansfield, Missouri, and it was a dream come true to see Laura’s house at Rocky Ridge Farm and her writing desk. Moreover, it was a thrill to see so many of the things I remembered from all of the Little House books—especially Pa’s fiddle! If you are ever in the area, be sure to drop by!

Visit Amy at amyoquinn.com or at most social media sites.

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