Indeed, it would seem that many persons who were in the workforce (including homemakers) prior to the 1960s could teach those of us who were/have been in the workforce during the past 50 years how to be better stewards of our lives and possessions. Overall, those individuals lived in moderation, submission, and conservation, and stewardship as one can note just looking at their dwellings and lack of material belongings as well as the repair businesses--including sewing machines, footwear, clothing, and vacuum cleaners--that flourished during that time; even churches whose corporate worship and activities had healthy participation. They didn't just live for the present but were considerate of their futures and those of following generations.
While they were far from perfect (e.g. prejudice, partiality, unchecked pollution, etc.) we would do well to follow their example to live more simply, be satisfied with less, frequently nurturing relationships with family members and acquaintances and taking better care of ourselves (physical--eating more healthy & homemade meals, emotional--well-balanced, mental--being reflective and having a high work ethic, and spiritual--loving our Creator and others).
Forgive me if this sounds preachy. It isn't intended to be. I was just moved by the portrayal of the cleanliness and care of the grandmother and drew an analogy of cleaning up and caring for our lives: just like a vacuum cleaner with poor suction may give the appearance of cleanliness, we need to be concerned about the depth of the cleaning--not just the appearance of it. I've had a tough recent experience that has made that meaningful to me. The British sitcom "Keeping Up Appearances" (1990-1995) also comes to mind, and I can't help but think, "Poor Hyacinth". LOL
