The Old Paths

I liked the old paths, when Moms were at home. Dads were at work.  Brothers went into the army.  And sisters got married BEFORE having children!  Crime did not pay: Hard work did; And people knew the difference.  Moms could cook; Dads would work; Children would behave.  Husbands were loving; Wives were supportive; And children were polite.  Women wore the jewelry; And Men wore the pants.  Women looked like ladies; Men looked like gentlemen; And children looked decent.  People loved the truth, And hated a lie.  They came to church to get IN, Not to get OUT!  Hymns sounded Godly; Sermons sounded helpful; Rejoicing sounded normal; And crying sounded sincere.  Cursing was wicked; Drugs were for illness; And divorce was unthinkable.  The flag was honored; The Nation was beautiful; And God was welcome!  We read the Bible in public; Prayed in school; And preached from house to house.  To be called an American, or Englishman, was worth dying for; To be called an American, or Englishman, was worth living for, To be called a traitor was a shame!  This was written by a retired minister in Tennessee.....not me.....BUT I do feel the same even if it does show my age.  How life has changed in the years I have been alive.  Yesterday was a wonderful day going to a son's home and then to a church to watch a grandson be baptized.  My grandchildren were all the above, respectful, decent, well dressed, and enjoying going INTO a church.