My dad (1922 - 2012) used to say that anyone who spoke of old times as the Good Old Days never lived in those times, and he would often follow that up by saying, "these are the good old days.". From his lived prospective he clearly understood that life during his times and that of my grandfather (1889 - 1978) were much tougher times.

My parents had a strong deep humble faith in God that was derived from hardships and blessings. When the best hope that your kids will have milk the follow day come from your faith that God will answer your prayers, and he does, that is a faith built on trials.