Old habits die slowly. Yes, Fridays have been longed for by many for generations. It was the end of the work week for most, and a weekend of liberty. To do chores around the home that we kept putting off, or simply take the time to read a book, take a nap whenever one felt like it, or escape on a short trip or ride.
Pandemic Fridays are different. No freedom weekend beckons. Work continues daily regardless of the calendar. If you have work, you do it and bless the paycheck once it hits the checking account. If unemployed or retired, ennui is the reward of idleness. Nothing during the week to do; nothing over the weekend either. Each day is the same. Boring. Retired or unemployed, every day is Saturday. Or Sunday.
Of course, if you are old enough, Sundays were in a class alone. Sundays everything was closed with the exception of gas stations and the corner store. Oh, and churches of course.
Six years of my youth were spent in Massachusetts, in the 50’s. the Blue Laws were in full force then. No commerce to be conducted other than gas, emergency services, and minor food purchases like bread and milk. And the newspapers. As I recall, drug stores weren’t open then, either. I might be wrong about that.
Today, everything is open seven days a week. Some stores and services are available 24/7/365. Today, Sundays and Saturdays are the same. Identical. In the 50’s, uh-uh. Saturday was filled with the promise of visiting all kinds of stores, even the lumber yard! But on Sunday, it was church, homework, and sitting. Or outdoor sports – skiing, hiking, swimming, walking, biking, etc.
Of course, pandemic weekends are slow, boring, and of limited options. Just like the 50’s.
I’m wondering what other memories are stirred by the pandemic. Suggestions?
Meanwhile, today is Good Friday in Christian homes. Make the most of it.
April 10, 2020
No comments:
Post a Comment