The Amish Way

If you know much about me you know that I find the Amish lifestyle interesting.  That doesn't mean I want to be Amish, but it does mean that I think they have valid points and things to consider in their choice of lifestyle.  Somehow in a women's discipleship group that I was in the subject came up and one of the women found out my interest in the Amish.  This lady bought a book for me called "The Amish Way" by Donald B. Kraybill, Steven M. Nolt, and David L. Weaver-Zercher.  I have read many books about the Amish- fiction and non, but I found many things about this book to be new info to me.  Here are some things I've been thinking on.

Some things we can all learn from the Amish:

1.  Spiritual vitality comes at a price.  Whether one is Amish or not, the cost of spiritual vitality is high, and those who pay the price are often perceived as paying too much.

2.  The importance of taking spiritual perils seriously.  Addressing things that get in the way of spiritual vitality requires time, effort, and intentionality.

3.  The importance of practices.  What does my family do on a regular basis that shapes the lives of my children?

4.  Importance of patience.  Am I reminded that many good things in life come slowly?  

5.  The importance of the past.  Do I value the practices and wisdom of those that have gone before me?  Am I teachable and willing to yield?  

6.  The importance of people.  Do I share in a common purpose, a common set of values, and a common set of spiritual practices as others?  How important is Christian community to me in every day life?