When I hear the word simple it usually brings up images of the Amish in my mind. I have had the pleasure to experience of bit of their world. I can tell you, there is nothing quite like the beauty of those gorgeous horses elegantly trotting down the lane as they pull sweet black carriages. Sitting inside you will see very quiet, composed riders. If you are fortunate enough to catch a quick glimpse as they pass, when you look at their faces, it appears as if their thoughts are miles away, as they wind their way through town. It is in a way a poetry in motion of sorts. I could sit and watch those and similar scenes over and over again when I am in “their” neck of the woods.
I remember a trip to Amish country with my mother. We watched the barefooted little boys in their straw hats and their blue shirts as they downed cans of Coca Cola at the produce auction.
The teen-aged boys huddled in a back corner off to the side. And I bet you money they were talking about girls in those hushed tones that we heard wafting over the warm breeze. Men huddled in another area, negotiating prices and quality, while the women, in their dresses, stayed on the opposite side the of the building minding the little ones.
There is something soothing about simplicity and routine.
It really gets me to thinking. “Why do I feel the need to be so busy?” And, more than that, I got to thinking, “Why do I need so much stuff?” These people are truly of the “…with food and clothing, with these we shall be content,” crowd. It’s very inspiring.
I don’t know about you, but the more I am around money, or those who have it, I find that I too need, well, more. Why? I have no idea. I have food. I have clothes. But suddenly I feel that I need that special new handbag or that condo at the beach. However, when I step away, even for a short time, (like I did for those few hours that day in Amish Country) to where the simple life is led, it’s amazing the perspective that comes washing over me. These people require very little. And their lives seem healthy and whole. Perfect? No. But there’s something to be said for the simple life, I’m just sayin’.
So here’s a challenge for us this coming week. If we find ourselves stressing and straining over the “don’t haves”, let’s agree to pause and ask ourselves three things: Do I have clothes? Do I have food? Do I have a roof over my head? If you and I can answer “yes” to each of those questions, for today, I’d say we’re doing pretty good.
Just my thoughts.
S.
