It was over one hundred degrees the day we visited the Oregon Trail. I was getting a bit tired of traveling, really tired of the heat, but I couldn't help stop thinking about those pioneers.As I stood overlooking the worn land where hundreds and thousands of pioneers walked or rode to a new land, I was awestruck of their sacrifice and devotion to an unknown world. Wagons couldn't be packed more than 2, 400 lbs each and just supplies (mainly food) to sustain a family of four for 6 months weighed 2,000 lbs.
Burden. They must have been heavily burdened to make the right decision to move their families that far from the familiar. Sometimes what they thought was a necessity was soon forgotten. And often they would pack personal belongings and furniture that were later ditched on the side of the "road" to ease the burden for the animals as they got weakened.
I believe that sometimes we all feel burdened by the demands of life. We, too, have to make decisions about what to hold onto and what is important. Really, is all that other stuff important? What demands burden your life and could be tossed aside? Is TV consuming your time, your duties on PTA taking you away from your family, or are you swimming in the effects of "consumer greed"?Everyone one has something. Even the pioneers did as they realized the rocking chair had to be set aside in order to continue on the path. Personally, technology seems to burden me sometimes as I feel it necessary to keep track of friends on email or check a blog. Though I'm not letting it completely overwhelm my life, I know at times I need to step away and spend time with my family or husband.
As summer starts to fade and our vacation is boxed up, I know I must settle into a better routine of my technology time. So in the spirit of the pioneers, I will be "throwing" the computer to the side during the day. I plan on checking email and blogs only in the early morning hours (6-7 AM) before my kids wake and after they head to bed (8:15-9:15 PM). This will ensure that I don't get burdened and make precious time available for my kids and husband. Because, sometimes you have to make room for the things that are truly a necessity.
From inside the little blue bungalow,
Katie Jean
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matthew 12: 28-30
3 comments:
Well written! A few more months and you will be able to publish your own 'Killing Cockroaches'
Good job Katie Jean.
Btw: Kyle's grandmother who is 98 came over on the Oregon Trail.
Add the weights of the supply list for yourself. The printed total weight is off by 100 lbs. It's really 2100 lbs of food. If 2400 lbs is the limit for a wagon, that means only two very skinny people can ride in that wagon when it's packed full. I suggest they eat lunch and definitely use the bathroom before they leave. :)
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