Posted in Simple Living
More thoughts...Maintaining simple ways of farming lessens the distance between the generations.
This point was something that I had never really contemplated before but it is a very valid point. If you think about it the technological advances have put a rift in the generations in a way that we never really dreamed. The idea of computers totally freaks some people out. It is the "teaching old dog new tricks" idea. There are many people that have not gotten into computers, cell phones and other technological advances and that has taken some of the connections away between them and the younger generations that have embraced them. When you grow up only knowing about CDs, DVDs, computers, cell phones and blackberries then they are not such a big deal. When you grew up without those things your chances of jumping on the bandwagon are slim. With the Amish there is no such rift. I am not saying that we should chuck these advances nor am I admitting that I think they are evil and divisive totally. I am merely recognizing the point that is made in the statement above. I make it a point to know what my children are doing and watching. I have learned about computers and other advances because I know they are not going away. My own mother has learned how to use a computer and my in-laws are constantly learning about such advances too. It gives us a connection. I am not about keeping up with the Joneses but I am about staying connected to my children and they will experience some major electronic and communication advances. I have to work to keep up with those things to stay connected to them. It is easier for the Amish because they do not even allow those advances to come between them. It is a good point... I won't stop learning and advancing over it but it is a good point... ;)
Shared within the family, hard work becomes a seasonal ritual. You've done it before with your parents and you will do it again with your children.
Oh, I do love this one. Do you have things that your family does together on a seasonal basis? We may not be tilling the land and gathering the crops together but families do share things that are known as rituals. As Christians we have the seasons of Christmas and Easter. As a family we share birthdays and personal celebrations. I think that ritual is important. I am not talking about legalistic rules or any wierd rituals. I am talking about things that bring families together. We work together. We school together. We plan our days and schedules together. Things that draw us into a closeness and teach us spiritual truths are a part of what we do together. We feel that it is important in our family to make meals a family affair. We spend time over food sharing our days and sharing scripture and discussions. We talk about Biblical truths over food very regularly and take time to pray at meals for, not just food, but for those we love. We spend time at night in an evening bedtime routine and ritual of sort. We have a regular routine for getting ready for bed that includes a nightly family prayer time. These are important. These are the things that we look forward to and expect in our family. They make us stronger and closer. They give us a bond that the outside world doesn't get to invade. We love those times very much!!! I believe that our society is missing these times. They are missing a blessing and it is part of why the family of today is falling apart. I know most of you that read here already know this. I challenge you to add a special time for family each day if you do not already have this. I would love to hear what you do...
The Amish find their happiness and meaning in labor rather than in escape from it.
I am all about making life a bit easier. I am not about getting out of work, though. I believe that the work that I do throughout the day is part of what keeps me sane. I have been challenged by this statement, though. Do I really find happiness and meaning in labor? I don't mean that my identity is wrapped up in what I do. My identity is in Christ. I merely seek to let God fill me with His peace and happiness even in the most mundane task of my day. I need to find joy in ministering to my family. I need to find joy in working and making a better life for my family. This is a challenge that is ongoing for me. How about you? Work is a good thing. It is something God has placed before us. Are we seeing His hand as we move through our days? Are we looking at our life as a burden we want to escape or a blessing that we pour ourselves into?
Still a bit more to come...
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