The old ways offer new lessons for all of us

This year had been full of new adventures and learning for our family.

One of the things we were determined to accomplish, as we undertook this home school journey with the girls, was to not only enhance their book knowledge but also subject them to real world learning.

We found ourselves pointing out new and exciting things to the girls while we simultaneously drew reference to how the new adventure could be applied to life. Our approaching the girls’ learning in this manner has opened the doors to the kind of great conversations and enjoyable responses and application that only a 9 and 10-year-old can provide.

Early this week, one of those learning opportunities presented itself. Several home school families gathered for a lesson on the old way of making butter from scratch.

I must admit that when my wife first approached me about the trip, I got a bit of a chuckle out of it.

My mind instantly flowed to my childhood when my own mother decided we were going to churn some butter to avoid the rapidly growing prices at the store. I remember being filled with excitement over the process, at least the first few minutes of the adventure. After that, arms sore from repetitious shacking and mind weary from utter boredom, I lost interest and hoped only for finishing in record time.

For me the end product was simply not worth the time it took to create. As I thought about the girls taking part, I immediately grinned over the thought of what the girls would soon experience. In the end, I was sure the lesson would prove beneficial to them but the process would surely be a battle of wills.

As I eagerly awaited word on how the lesson went, and how the girls performed, I found myself again thinking about my own experience as a child. Looking back, I am glad my parents took time to include me even though I’m certain they could have accomplished their task with ease and in half the time absent my complaints. My inclusion provided a window into a small portion of the past. The experience, although silly to me, allowed me to learn an important skill while also gaining an appreciation for the things those who came before me had to do to survive.

As the girls returned home, I inquired as to their experience. My youngest, as expected, described the process as long and boring and the bread and butter were terrible. My middle child, gleaming with excitement, described it as the best experience ever and she loved the fact that we could do so much with one simple product. Momma had a blast watching and leading and felt the butter the group made was spot on and some of the best she had tried.

As I listened to the girls tell their tale, I was glad this simple little project dreamt up by a couple of loving mothers would now spark a desire to learn more about the old ways of doing things.

For it is in the past that we can learn a lot about our futures. It is in taking the time to show our children the good and bad, the easy and difficulty of generations far removed, that our children can become more well rounded and appreciative. Our girls now understand what it may have been like for some people generations ago and in doing so have found a new appreciation for where we are today. Share with our future generations about the past my friends. It is through learning that understanding begins.

Richard J. Stephens lives in Carter County and is the father of three little ladies ranging in age from nine to 29. His experiences being a single parent, co-parent, and leader, provide a unique perspective to a wide array of issues families face in our modern times.