IT'S SO QUIET!
¡Está Tan Tranquilo!
by
Mary Hunt Webb
Posted Monday, December 31, 2018
A blanket of snow brings profound silence. [Photographer: Morris Webb, Sr.*]
Until I married a man from a northern state, I had never experienced the kind of deep snow that remained on the ground for more than two days. Of course, I had lived through snowfalls before, but they weren't the kind that buried an entire city for days. As I became acquainted with lasting snow, I noticed the profound silence that accompanied it.
The term "blanket of snow" is appropriate in such situations because the snow muffles all sounds. That not only happens outside, but sometimes inside as well. During a recent snowstorm, many people found themselves disconnected from the Internet and the telephone. With no telephones ringing and the absence of various sounds from the outside world, the comparative silence was eerie for them. Because they could not receive or send messages to or from others, they discovered that the only ones with whom they could communicate were those that were physically around them.
With no contact with the outside world available, many returned to vintage pastimes, such as board games and jigsaw puzzles. [Photographer: Alois Grundner. Photo courtesy of Pixabay.com]
In such a situation, many returned to low-tech pastimes, such as playing board games and working jigsaw puzzles while they munched on popcorn and drank hot chocolate.
They adjusted to the situation with the anticipation that it was temporary, but what if it lasted longer? When money is scarce, many families find it necessary to economize by eliminating certain services, such as cable television and Internet service. The more difficult the situation, the more essential it becomes to economize.
That happened to us when our son was young. As a young family, all we could afford to have and operate was one television set. When that ceased to work, our finances were too limited to buy another. All we had left was the radio. The enforced withdrawal from watching television was difficult at first because we hadn't realized how often it was on. However, as the days and weeks passed, we not only found other things to do, but we seemed to talk to each other more frequently.
This boy is clearly enjoying blowing bubbles. [Photographer: Cheryl Holt. Photo courtesy of Pixabay.com]
As long as the adults around them maintain a positive attitude and don't complain, children adjust. They blow soap bubbles, bounce balls, pretend, draw, build with blocks or boxes, and find a variety of other creative things to do. From my observation as well as my own experience, I believe that doing without certain goods and services helps children to become more resourceful adults. The poem that we have used so often is a reminder of this: "Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without."
When families pull together, they not only survive, but also grow stronger. The recommendations of the Apostle Paul are good ones. In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, he advised, "16) Be joyful always; 17) pray continually; 18) give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (NIV) The key is to "give thanks in all circumstances" rather than just the favorable ones.
An attitude of gratitude is the key to pulling through difficult times. [Photographer: DFNatureAwed. Photo courtesy of Stockvault.net]
With that in mind, my husband and I want to thank all of you that visit our Webbsite, whether you do so every month or just periodically. We look forward to another year of postings, and we hope you will continue to visit us here. God bless all of you! May you have a blessed New Year.
BIBLE VERSES FOR THIS POSTING
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 — 16) Be joyful always; 17) pray continually; 18) give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. (NIV)
1 Tesalonicenses 5:16-18 — 16) Estad siempre gozosos. 17) Orad sin cesar. 18) Dad gracias en todo, porque esta es la voluntad de Dios para con vosotros en Cristo Jesús. (Reina-Valera 1960)
May you have a Happy New Year! [Image courtesy of Antiqueclipart.com.]
* Please do not use our original photos without our permission. These include photos by Mary Hunt Webb, Morris Webb, Jr., Morris Webb, Sr., and C.B. Hunt. Thank you.
