Sundays in the 50s (01/20/2026)

This morning after reading the readings for the day and recognizing Jesus’ struggle with the Pharisees who put legality above compassion and rigid expectations before the needs of others, my mind did what it often does, it sprang back in time. And I remembered what Sundays were like in the 1950s. We got up, cleaned up, went to church, and then we rested, all except Mom who made us the same meal every Sunday: roast beef, mashed potatoes with gravy, and a vegetable.

Back in the 1950s in rural southern Georgia, stores weren’t open on Sunday. It was a day for church and rest. Lots of people took long naps on Sunday afternoon. Children played outside. Dinners were always bigger and grander than on weekdays. Sundays were special all around. I miss those days.

I think about Hobby Lobby and Chick-fil-A and their policies of closing on Sundays for the benefit of their employees. The owners agree with Jesus’ teaching today that the Sabbath was made for man. They must have read the gospels or maybe they just got through the first two chapters of Genesis, but they got the drift that the 7^th day was for rest. The LORD rested after 6 days of work; and we rest on the 7^th day to honor that as well as to acknowledge that we, too, need rest and time to focus on those important matters beyond our labors.

It saddens me that Sundays aren’t really special anymore for so many people. As we became “instant” lovers, stores stayed open on Sunday, and employees had to show up or lose their jobs. And a quick drive by would show that there are more cars parked at the mall and movie theatre than at the nearby church. And I have to admit that more isn’t always better, sometimes it really is just more. I think the human race could benefit from a little less.

This morning as I pondered all these things from long ago contrasted with today, I found myself longing for the simpler path and the slower pace and the spiritual peace that usually came with the Sabbath. I’m thinking about buying a roast for Sunday dinner this week. And I’m thinking about putting my cell phone in a drawer and taking a nap in the afternoon. But above all else, I’m thinking about getting up and going to church with my best hat on my head and my best smile on my face because it will be a good day, a gift from the LORD, and I plan on unpacking it slowly and enjoying every moment of it.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.