Last night we watched a neat documentary about the Amish people, The Amish: A People of Preservation. No they are not perfect and yes, they are legalistic in many ways. Say what you will about them, but we can learn a lot from them about teaching our children and enjoying our families, not to mention how they take care of others in their community.
At a young age their children are expected to help. They are given responsibilities which in turn give them a sense of worth. They are not vegged out on mindless activities, although do they have recreation. You will notice that the children in the movie look so very happy!
The part that impressed me the most was that they value relationships more than they do productivity and activities. Who among us does not feel the pressure of always being in a hurry, always a long list of To-Do's? Don't we often wish for a more simple life? I don't mean a primitive life, just less stuff, less activity, less bills and more relationship? I hate when I hear the term "family night", after all, shouldn't most nights be family night?
The Amish spend the majority of their time working together, and this is so vital in their relationships. Why do men and women have 'office affairs'? Usually because that is where the bulk of their time is being spent, sharing a common mission (work). When children are gone at school all day it is no wonder we struggle for their hearts. The majority of the day they are sharing a common mission (school work/graduation) together.
Toward the end of this movie they show a barn-raising after a fire. These families do not trust in their insurance companies or contractors, or a Government bail out. They are counting on each other. They organize and come to their neighbor's rescue. They are not forced to help each other, they WANT to help each other. Isn't that how it should be? And because these people were taught at a young age to work, not only how to work, but to want to work, they are well equipped to meet the needs of those around them. It is all about taking responsibility for ourselves and offering an extended hand when needed.
I strongly encourage you to watch this movie. Observe how their children are right along side of them, learning and taking responsibility. Do you know why our culture views children and young adults as a burden? It's because we don't require them to do their part. Identifying 20 year olds as being in "extended adolescence" is absurd!
Things and money do not bring us long lasting fulfillment, but relationships do. We all long for good relationships with our family members and neighbors. God did not create us to live alone and 'look out for number one'. He created us to live for others, just as Christ did. What are you doing to equip your children with the ability to give of themselves, in the home and in the community? Do they know their purpose and responsibility? Are you working along side them with joy to prove to them that life is about caring for each other?
You can watch this through Netflix. We get the cheapest subscription they have, which also allows you to watch movies instantly online. I love Netflix because they carry GOOD movies that the video store doesn't and NO LATE FEES! ;o)
UPDATE: One reader just e-mailed that she found this movie at her library! yeah!
My 7 year old daughter and I watched this last night. We discussed some of the similarities in dress and work between the Amish and the Pilgrims. She asked me to keep the movie on her list “just in case I want to watch it again”. It was well done.
I have been fascinated with the Amish ever since I did a term paper on them in a college anthropology class. I enjoy the Beverly Lewis books set in Amish country. I too admire their focus on relationships and the fact that they consider work to be an act of worship. How inspiring!
Blessings,
Courtney