The lives of the families of these two places intersect and intertwine in mostly beautiful ways. And even when it isn't beautiful, it is always honest. But then, honesty is beautiful, is it not? This is a series that, I am convinced, makes one a better person just for the watching. The characters are open and honest with their feelings and the motives of their hearts, even when, or rather, I should say, especially when they find fault in themselves. It is a refreshing thing to see an individual catch himself behaving in a less than noble manner and stop to confess his faults. And it is equally refreshing to see the quick forgiveness and forbearance of others.
It has made me wonder if we truly were closer to truth and honesty about ourselves when times were harder; when there were fewer comforts and the sense of community and dependence on our friends and neighbors was necessary. When I view society today en masse I wonder if one could find truth and honesty in themself were they to try. Or have these truths been covered up, layer upon layer with distracting things and a self that is deceived by its sense of importance, (self)devotion, and aggrandizement.
It has also caused me to deliberate with myself as to whether I would be willing to give up the comforts and excesses of today's life for the life of that in Lark Rise or Candleford. I want to enthusiastically answer "Yes!" but can I say that honestly? Would I trade this easy life of the 21st century for a life of struggle, hard work, discomfort, uncertainty, intimate community, joys that are magnified due to their contrast, beauty that comes with living close to the land, days and weeks without a clock or timepiece.
My heart says yes, but here I am, situated by God in a different age. I believe Him when He says He knows our hearts better than we know them ourselves. I trust Him to have placed me where He knows is best.
