Too often we rush through life. We speed through our neighborhoods and cities without truly seeing what we’re passing. We don’t have time for friends, and because of that when we truly need a friend no one is around. In the Amish community, travel is done at the speed of a buggy. They attend church with those who live closest to them. They help a neighbor, knowing they will have a day when help is needed. And because of that, peace comes. It’s peaceful to wave at a friend as your buggy travels past her home. It’s even more peaceful knowing that your friend has your back.
What inspiration can we get from the Amish to live a slower and more peaceful life?
Decide what’s important.
Make a list of three things important to your family, your job, and in your life. Years ago my husband and I decided to make dinnertime a priority. We gather our children (and sometimes friends) around the dinner table nearly every night. We protect our evenings. We don’t sign up our kids for many activities because knowing the people around the dinner table is more important. What is important to you? Too often we fill our days with too much and because of this we are always in a hurry. When you focus on the most important things you’ll give up much busyness.
Do less each day (yet invite others to join you).
Efficiency and accomplishment are prized in our society, but crossing off a to-do list isn’t as meaningful as connecting with others. The Amish appreciate family farms because they’re able to work side-by-side with their children. Even preschoolers are taught how to work and have responsibilities. Mothers don’t hurry through a chore. They do it at child-speed, knowing that their child’s help will someday lighten their load. The Amish also gather for tasks, such as canning, cooking, and quilting. They focus on one big thing and do it together. This brings peace to their schedule and their hearts.
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Such a beautiful post, and you are so spot on, Tricia! Society seems to keep pushing for more, more, and more of the things that don’t matter the most and has encouraged losing sight of the things that truly matter: God, family, building relationships, and so on. I for one have been working hard at refocusing my time and efforts in what truly matters. The return on that investment is priceless!
Such a peaceful, beautiful way to live. The important thing to note is that they put God first in their lives, something we should all do.
Consumerism, making more and more money, etc. have taken over our world, and is prevalent even among Christians. That is all based on greed and pride and we must avoid those things to have peace. The Amish have it right. Humble, kind, generous … we need more of that in this world.