OK, I don't usually watch Oprah, but every once in a while I will see what's on. She's been showing parts of her cross-country road trip with Gayle - and it's really funny. So, the other day I caught the end of their journey. As they drove through Ohio, they took the opportunity to spend some time with an Amish family. IT WAS FASCINATING! The couple was young, maybe 30, with 3 kids. They sat outside at a picnic table, chatting with Oprah and Gayle. They discussed the Amish lifestyle, modern conveniences, traditions, marriage, courtship, pre-marital sex...really interesting stuff. As you can imagine, Oprah and Gayle couldn't fathom no dating until 18, no sex before marriage, marriage and sex with one person for a lifetime, etc. But what blew them away was that the couple said they were 100% content with their lives. They wouldn't change ANYTHING about the way they live.
Do you know anyone completely content? Are you? Are there things you would change about the way you live in order to find more contentment? Why are we so unwilling to live a simple life in our modern society? Does simplicity provide more contentment?
This couple fascinated me. They subscribe to Time magazine, so they do know what's going on in the world. They have an electric washing machine (not anything like what any of us have, but still...). They use modern equipment to milk the cows. All these things surprised me. What also surprised me was how beautiful their home was. Why did I think otherwise? Just because they are known for being plain doesn't mean they don't enjoy beauty. The inside of the house was decorated simply and tastefully. The walls were painted blue. There were fresh flowers in vases in several rooms.
The interview really made me think. No, I'm not about to become Amish. But there are aspects of their lifestyle that really are worth contemplating. What would I be willing to give up for a simpler life? Not the internet, for sure! What's funny is that I found myself wanting to see more into the lives of the Amish - and my first thought was, "I wonder if there are any Amish blogs?" I immediately realized the absurdity of that thought! But how disappointing! Wouldn't it be great if there were an Amish blogroll out there?
Do you know anyone completely content? Are you? Are there things you would change about the way you live in order to find more contentment? Why are we so unwilling to live a simple life in our modern society? Does simplicity provide more contentment?
This couple fascinated me. They subscribe to Time magazine, so they do know what's going on in the world. They have an electric washing machine (not anything like what any of us have, but still...). They use modern equipment to milk the cows. All these things surprised me. What also surprised me was how beautiful their home was. Why did I think otherwise? Just because they are known for being plain doesn't mean they don't enjoy beauty. The inside of the house was decorated simply and tastefully. The walls were painted blue. There were fresh flowers in vases in several rooms.
The interview really made me think. No, I'm not about to become Amish. But there are aspects of their lifestyle that really are worth contemplating. What would I be willing to give up for a simpler life? Not the internet, for sure! What's funny is that I found myself wanting to see more into the lives of the Amish - and my first thought was, "I wonder if there are any Amish blogs?" I immediately realized the absurdity of that thought! But how disappointing! Wouldn't it be great if there were an Amish blogroll out there?
6 comments:
I'm surprised they could fit Oprah's ego into their little Amish home.
JRR- Oooohhhhhh! Good one! Has anyone noticed that Oprah always believes whatever the guest on her show believes? Did she say that she was Amish?
I do think that a simple life has its perks. I think I was born in the wrong era (shutup brother). That is why I love historical fiction. While some things are harder - it seems that relationships were stronger, family was more important and values were lived - not just talked about.
I really respect how the Amish live. It is nice to see that there are at least some people out there who still believe in hard work, modesty, etc - and aren't afraid to stand by their religious beliefs.
J, I was amazed @ how humbly and appropriately the Amish handled the school episode. All I could see was forgiveness and love. And didn't they attend the murderers' funeral? Unfathomable...
That is some really great thoughts. I am with you on wanting the simple life. I agree that it facinates me to observe others simplicity and contentment! I laughed at the blog thought but I agree it would be so neat. I bet there are other stories out there though! Thanks for sharing and for the challenge!
They'll probably do a story on the Amish in O - the magazine - but the cover story will be all about Oprah. That's what it's all about isn't it? Oprah.
And isn't it kinda weird posting blog entries - via the internet - on a computer - about a tv show - transmitted by satellite - hosted by a bazillionaire African-American woman - asking about how great the simple life could be?
Although there are many things I don't agree with regarding their faith (like removing yourself from the world), I find their lifestyle very interesting.
Wilma, I have read a few of Beverly Lewis' books about the Amish - very interesting and enlightening. Thanks for the reminder.
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