3 Powerful life lessons from the Boxcar Children

Lately, I have surmised just how much these books molded my mind and taught powerful lessons.

I love how the boxcar children “made do” with very little; somehow they always got what they really needed.

The children made sure everything was in its place and tidy, and they took care of what they had.

The 4 siblings didn’t worry; they were happy and kind to one another.

Powerful life lesson #1: Be content with what you have. 

A boxcar for a house, pine-needle beds, and cast-off dishes from a dump.  They didn’t have much except for each other.  The boxcar children were thankful and even excited with the old, cracked stuff they found.

Growing up, I didn’t have much either.  My mom and dad divorced before I was 5.  So my mom had to provide for 4 kids on her own.  With our choice of me staying home to raise our 4 kids, Rick and I have never had much either.  But I’m okay with it.

Naked at the park!

For example, most of our family vacations were either going to Adventureland in Des Moines or Worlds of Fun in Kansas City, and we would drive home that night because we couldn’t afford a hotel.  The kids would change into their PJs in the van and sleep while we drove the 2 or 3 hours home.

We had a lot of fun on those simple trips and made good memories.  Like one time after swimming at Oceans of Fun right before heading home, the kids had to change out of their wet swimsuits.  They were naked in the parking lot while we held blankets around them.  Scandalous!  😉

I am usually content with little.  In many ways, it’s easier.  You know, things can start to control you and cause a lot of work.  I also like to be in the position to trust God for what I need. I don’t need the latest, biggest, or the best.

Thankfulness creates gratitude, which generates contentment that causes peace.~ Todd Stocker

…for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.~ Philippians 4:11

Powerful life lesson #2: Take good care of your things and have them in order.

Jessie had their things in order.  There was a place for everything.

After a meal, the dishes were washed and put back on the shelf right then.  Jessie washed their clothes in the brook and hung them out to dry on a line that they strung up.

She or Violet swept the boxcar with a broom that was made out of dried something (I can’t remember!) and a branch.

Using a cup and a stick, Jessie made a ladle for the stew she cooked in the kettle.

If you’ve read some of my prior posts, you know that I value order.

Eating off the floor?

Because I was the oldest of my siblings, I took care of things while my mom worked.

At 10 years old, I started to clean the house, babysit the kids, and cook the meals.

I learned and appreciated order back then and enjoyed accomplishing tasks.  Just ask my siblings.

Once when I had thoroughly scrubbed the floor, my sister, Tricia, spilled a pan of corn…so I made her eat it off the (clean!) floor.  😯

Again, it makes everything easier…and more enjoyable to be in a place of order instead of a mess or chaos.

Order in my home is a way to show respect and even bless others.

For God is not a God of disorder, but of peace.~ 1 Corinthians 14:33

But be sure that everything is done properly and in order.~ 1 Corinthians 14:40

Powerful life lesson #3: Make room in your life for faith and trust.

Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny did not worry about where they would live or what they would eat. They were happy.

Their parents had died (although we don’t know that right away), and they were on the run from their grandfather because they thought he was a mean old man and were afraid of him.

But even in their situation, they did not grumble or complain.  The 4 siblings had confidence that everything would be okay.

There was a trust or faith that if they did what they could, the rest would work out.

Will there be enough?

There were many times as our kids were growing up when we didn’t know how we were going to get groceries or pay a bill, but somehow it worked out and we had what we needed.

More than once I received some money with an encouraging note or found what I needed on sale.

God worked through others to bless us.  These things tell me that my Heavenly Father truly knows and cares about what I need.

When we don’t have an abundance but just enough, there is room for trust.

So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.  But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.  Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own.~ Matthew 6:31-34

Jessie stirring the stew

When I was young, I found it enticing to read all about Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny.  I wanted to experience what they did and, in a way, I did since my mom worked and I was in charge.

Now, I find it refreshing to think that kids on their own would behave this way.  🙂

We all have to “play house” to some degree.

Maybe this post has granted you some insight into areas of your life that could use some contentment, order, or faith.

I hope you enjoyed this flashback.  Re-reading a few of the books brought joy and reminded me again of the 3 powerful life lessons imparted to me in my young years.  ♥

  If you haven’t read the first Boxcar Children book I highly recommend it, even now!

**Who remembers the dog’s name?  Leave your answer in the comment section.

Spring is getting closer every day.  Take care until next time.

Blessings and blooms,

Pam

Act in such a manner that you are living proof of a loving God.