I often think this as we put on our historical outfits and go to events with our local Historical Re-enacting group. We dress and act like it’s 1815, and the tourists watch, and we have a good time.

But really, I have no idea what I’d do in 1815. My eyes are so bad, I’d be nearly useless without a very expensive pair of incredibly thick glasses. My skills are primarily in areas that have only been useful as a career in the last 15 years or so. I don’t even really know how to go to the bathroom 200 years ago.

Sure, I can do some things with my hands. I can frame a basement (useless 200 years ago), wire a circuit (useless 200 years ago) and solder plumbing (useless 200 years ago). I’d be the lowest of manual labourers, because I have the skills to work a shovel. Those haven’t changed in the last 200 years. Much.

I know, there are not many skills from then that would transfer forward either, but it still makes me think about how radically different our world is from theirs in such a relatively short time. What are my great-grandkids going to do that makes no sense now? I sit and think about how transitory our time is, right now.

It’s only right NOW that I have the opportunity to parent my kids. Not later. Not when I have a bigger house. Not when I’m done this other work. Not when the messes are all cleaned up. Now is the only now that I’ve got, because things change quickly. Sometimes I get paralyzed with the enormity of that.

It’s a good thing that I live now, not earlier or later. My kids need me now, not earlier or later.

Also, I know how to go to the bathroom here.

Related posts:

1. Handiwork
2. Does “Forgive Us Our Debts” Include Mortgages?
3. Ever Been Right and Hated It?
4. Backyard Ice Rink
5. A New Hattitude