What We Could Learn from the Amish

I read an article in Time Magazine last week about how certain Amish businessmen are succeeding because of their work ethic and their priorities. The gist of the article is that they work hard, they purchase what they need and no more, they are willing to do the hard labor and they put family first. I have read similar articles in the past about the Amish and their ability to ride out the financial storms. And I have decided that we can learn a lot from the Amish.

First, we can learn something about our priorities. Their sense of community and family is very strong. They realize that the connection they have with others is the lifeline they can depend on when the going gets tough. Those on the outside chuckle at the quaintness of a barn raising or a quilting bee. The Amish realize that we all succeed or sink together. Beyond that though was the young Amish man interviewed for the Time article. He has found a way to work from home because he wants to be there to help his wife and spend time with his children. Those aren't the empty words most work-from-home people utter. They were heartfelt words that put his family first.

Second, we can learn more appropriate ways of living. I'm sure that if interviewed, very few Amish would say their lives were empty, even though they have no electricity, no cars and no cell phones. I would suggest that is because of their "lack" that their lives are so full. They have more time to give to their families and to get their work done. By not living with so many "time-saving" devices, they have more time. Hence, they are able to slow down and enjoy their lives, making them rich and full. They manage their time so well, they actually have a day of rest. How many people can say that?!

Finally, their lives don't revolve around money. Their lives are centered on God and, because of this, it is a good bet that they don't have the same kind of stress in their lives that we do. The quality of their lives isn't in how much money they earn. It is in how well they honor the teachings in the Bible. I am not suggesting that we all pitch over all we have and start to blindly follow the teachings of Jesus. I am suggesting that when we focus on the things that really matter, we realize we are wealthier than we ever imagined.

So, in this time of stress, financial and otherwise, I would like to call people's attention to the Amish. By actually living the life that many of us dream of, they have found an ability to weather storms that throw the rest of us for a loop. By working hard and helping each other, they have more time to enjoy the richness of their life. By focusing on the true riches of the world, they have a wealth of which many of us only dream. Maybe it is time for us to slow down and take a lesson from the Amish.