Little House on the Prairie

I recently watched the new production of Little House on the Prairie on Netflix! Nothing quite beats the old production with Michael Landon and team of the original TV item. However, it's easy and gentle watching for the lazier months of summer nights and a happy distraction after watching discussion and news of current affairs.

I don't ever remember seeing or reading the first part of the journey of the Ingalls family on their first stop in the prairie land. They had to up sticks again when the land was taken from them along with their livelihood. They were distraught and despaired of ever making a way of life in the new country for themselves as they left the first settlement. However, we know that they found their place which became their forever home after this and lived long fruitful lives.

This is the stuff of fiction. However, we know that fiction is built on the true life of individuals and combinations of individuals! Is this not the story of each of us when we hit a wall or need to take new direction in life! We usually see this as an end rather than an opportunity for a new beginning, and perhaps an even better way of living. Sometimes the problems or issues present like a mountain over which we can't see. The only way of getting to see what is over the other side is to climb, keep going and use the obstacles as steps to climb to the new place intended for us and best suited for current living.

The story of the Ingall's family is built of the values of family, community, truth and justice. No compromise gets past those values. They move along and attract those with similar values and they remain open to connection with others. They gain what they need and share what they have with the gift of life as the most treasured resource.

This fictional story is a good framework against which to consider how we are with the various aspects of our own lives. Life is a very short journey and it is important to make each part of it matter as we move along. Mistakes and embarrassing moments become of value if they provide a learning and a way of refocusing so that our daily purpose becomes one that really matters.

As the sun shines brightly and long these days, may we each shine a light of hope for one another and be the consolation and hand up for those who have a mountain in life to climb over right now to find a new place to set their house down in the prairie. Our lives matter! This day matters!

Cathy Burke,
Catechist in the Lucan Partnership of Parishes