Do you remember “the simpler life”? The era of wringer washers and hanging clothes outside on the clothesline to dry? Perhaps, like me, you tried hiding behind bedsheets flapping in the breeze during hide-and-seek, but your exposed feet gave you away. And after washing and drying the dinner dishes by hand, did you settle down to watch programs on your black and white television set like we did? Those were the good old days.
I know I am sharing my age here, but who remembers The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet, I Love Lucy, The Andy Griffith Show, and The Dick Van Dyke Show? Good, clean humor, along with family values, and couples with twin beds. Maybe not always realistic but at least family friendly.
Think of the 50s and early 60s. Would you like to travel back in time? Perhaps to a place like Mayberry? In the past few months, hubby and I have watched several episodes of The Andy Griffith Show and laughed at those simpler times. I have read that a similar place to the fictional Mayberry is Mount Airy, North Carolina, Andy Griffith’s childhood home.
Although I have never been to Mount Airy, ten days ago, my husband and I drove to Historic Granville, known as Tennessee’s Mayberry Town. A town filled with southern charm. They have a small museum with I Love Lucy and The Andy Griffith Show memorabilia. Items include one of Andy Griffith’s personal guitars (he often played and sang during his show) and a 1964 Ford squad car that sits out front.
We grabbed lunch at the TB Sutton General Store, which has been a major part of Granville since the 1800s. After my delicious chicken salad sandwich, we toured an old homestead and a pioneer village, viewed outdoor fall harvest decorations, as well as visited an antique car museum.
Our tour included a stop at Aunt Bee’s Farmhouse, home to the Tennessee Quilt & Textile Museum, a quilt shop, and a bakery. Although I do not quilt, I admire the complex designs, craftsmanship, and the love poured into these beautiful masterpieces.
We are masterpieces too. God’s artistry is evident in each one of us. We are His magnificent creations. More delicate, complex, and marvelous than all those quilts put together. His love-filled craftmanship within us cultivates our inner beauty and compassion.
You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and
knit me together in my mother’s womb.
Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!
Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.
Psalm 139:13-14, NLT
For we are God’s masterpiece.
He has created us anew in Christ Jesus,
so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
Ephesians 2:10, NLT
We had a pleasant time in Granville and plan to return next month to enjoy their Mayberry–Lucy Christmas Dinner Theater and festive Christmas decorations throughout this historic small town. Here is a link to find out more about Granville: https://www.granvilletn.com/.
Are you ready to enjoy “the simpler life”? Check out one of those old black and white television shows and let me know your favorite.
LOL! After I wrote this post, our dishwasher broke down. I got reacquainted with “the simpler life” by hand washing our dishes like in the good old days!