If you missed part one of our Amish Christmas dinner, please see the last post.
Today I’d like to share how I shocked myself when I discovered some preconceived ideas I’d had about the Amish. With each discovery, I wondered where I’d picked up such foolish notions as…
I was surprised to see the children playing with modern toys and books. I must’ve assumed they played only with handmade, faceless fabric dolls and miniature wooden pony carts!
Several Amish men and women participated in our crazy gift exchange, laughing as heartily as we when one of them received a “car vac” (when he had the chance to exchange it, he quickly traded for a flashlight). How embarrassing to realize I’d thought they rarely laughed.
I noticed half a dozen store bought greeting cards taped onto the glass doors of the hutch, most of them for “Mother” or “Mom.” I suppose I thought Amish hand-fashioned all their cards, or didn’t give cards at all.
A book or two written by an “English” author nestled on the shelf among the Amish books and German Bible. I had imagined they read only books written by Amish authors. This discovery surprised and delighted me the most.
What did not surprise me? Their gentle demeanor, deep humility, and respect for others. These kind, loving people who wear only plain colors and won’t pose for photos live what they believe. Their hearts are bowed down in reverence for God and His ways. They live to serve the Master, not their own desires or vanities.
Although I differ with them in many ways, I admire their modest attitudes. And if you could see the love gleaming in their eyes when they kiss the top of their baby’s downy head, you’d understand as I did—we are the same in our hearts.
Have you ever shocked yourself by realizing you posessed a preconceived idea about someone?
