I can't say I'm jumping at the opportunity to adopt all their ways, but they sure do have a lot to teach me about life. I was excited to read Plain Wisdom and get an inside peek into Amish life. Check it out when it hits shelves March 15.
Cindy Woodsmall is an Englisher friend of a Plain (another term for Amish) woman Miriam Flaud. They take turns with each chapter telling stories that give insight into the Amish way of life. The cover depicts perfectly how I felt as I turned each page... like I was listening in over the shoulders of two friends talking. I didn't feel like I shouldn't be listening as I often do in restaurants when I can't help but hear over my shoulder; I felt invited to eavesdrop and learn from their tales.
One story that I've been pondering over repeatedly since I finished the book is about how the Amish are so purposeful in planning their day. They move with the sun, getting laundry out early in the morning so it can be brought in before dark. Once the sun goes down, any remaining work is done by candlelight, so laundry cannot be saved until then. In my technological and rushed world outside Amish country, I can do anything at just about any time of day because I have electricity. The down side is, I could be up at 3:00am typing this (although my friends know I'm in bed well before then every night!) and my day could be unending. The Amish understand the gift of a day, the gift of each sunrise that gives light to their work, and I would bet they enjoy rest all the more.
I was encouraged to enjoy the simple things in life and be a more diligent worker at the tasks I do have each day. I love the life I have been given but am thankful for the "plain" reminder of simplicity and it's beauty.
Blessings, angela
I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.
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