Could You See Yourself In The Town Of Mayberry?

  

This week, I sadly learned of the passing of Andy Griffith.  It almost felt like losing an old friend as I still frequently watch the re-runs of the Andy Griffith Show on our local channel.   The show first aired in 1960, some 52 years ago.  Rarely does something catch one's attention for that long.  Yet, even my own children still enjoy watching it from time to time.  So what is so appealing about the town of Mayberry and the crazy antics of it's citizens that keeps us coming back for more?  


In thinking about this question, I went back and watched a few episodes.  As I did, I noted several factors that seemed to jump out of me.  Some scenes brought back memories of my own childhood.  I remember being blissfully happy going fishing, riding my bike around town, looking for crawdads with the neighbor boy,  and other simple pleasures.  (Yes, I was somewhat of a tom boy at times).  I don't often reflect on those moments in my life but watching this show definitely brought back a sense of nostalgia.  


The other aspect that I discovered was the comparison of life back then, to our culture now.  While we have gained so much in regards to technology, resources, and quality of living, we've minimized some of our basic characteristics to the point that the sense of community is not always there.  We do have a lot of compassionate people in our own hometowns who often go above and beyond to reach out to others and for them I am grateful.  My wish however, is that those kind of people once again become the normal and no longer be the exception.


Here are some of the characteristics I appreciate so much in the town of Mayberry...

1.  Sense of community - Everyone looks out for each other.  When people are in need of help,  everyone rushes to offer their support and do what they can to make things better.  There is no concern of how busy they are in their own life or what they may get out of it.  It's simply about the person in need.

2.  Socialization - People visit each other regularly and do things together.  The men go to the fishing hole together or hang out at the barber shop.  The women get together for coffee in their homes or play cards.  If someone bakes a pie, they bake two and give one to their neighbor. People actually know their neighbors.

3.  Family is extremely important.  Children respect their parents, and parents respect their children.  It is a daily practice for everyone to come together at the supper table and talk about their day.  It is also often followed by an evening on the front porch.  Can't you picture Aunt Bee in her rocking chair and Andy serenading with the guitar?  What a sense of serenity that brings!

4.  Resolution - Disagreements are talked through and quickly worked out.  There are no holding

grudges for long periods of time.  Both individuals get to have their say in a calm, respectful manner and both are considerate as to determining what the right thing is to do.  People say "I'm sorry." and forgiveness is practiced regularly.

5.  Encouragement and promotion of self-esteem - In the very first pilot episode, Andy walks in and finds Opie "cooking" breakfast.  The toast is burnt and the eggs are overdone.   There was no getting upset because of the waste of food or the mess in the kitchen.  Instead, Andy lets Opie know how much he appreciated his effort.  In the same episode, Andy teaches Aunt Bee how to fish and play baseball.  He again never became frustrated or lost patience because she wasn't doing very well.  He continued to encourage and made her feel good about herself.  How often do we tend to tear people down instead of building them up?

6.  Humor!  Someone is always cracking a joke or doing something funny in the town of Mayberry.  I still laugh at the episode of Barney dressed in black and trying to ride a horse from East to West under a full moon so that Andy won't have to marry the hillbilly daughter. It's a proven fact that laughter is good for your health and reduces stress.  Maybe engaging in more of the lighter side of life is worth exploring.  

7.  Good morals - Everyone pretty much had the sense of trying to do the right thing instead of wrong.  When someone did mess up, Andy spoke in a way that helped them figure it out on their own.  Crime really wasn't an issue and Barney never did have to use that bullet in his pocket!

This week, think about your own role in your "community."   Are you where you want to be in life?  Do you treat others as you would want to be treated?  Would you fit in with Andy and his clan?

I think it's safe to say that Mayberry will always have a special place in our hearts!
Rest in peace, Andy and friends.  


Sherri