Gelassenheit

more from Amish Peace

Gelassenheit is a foundational value in Amish society that has no direct English translation. The best way to understand its richness and its meaning, is through synonyms: yieldedness, humility, calmness, composure, meekness, aplomb, tranquility, imperturbability, serenity, poise, sedateness, letting go, the opposite of self-assertion, a gentle spirit, submitting to God's will.

Gelassenheit is caught, not taught. The very first thing Amish children learn is that there is always a higher authority to yield to--older siblings, parents and grandparents, the greater good of the community, and God.

Gelassenheit stresses humility over pride and esteems others above self. It means helping others, never doing it for brownie points, never trying to get something for yourself in return.

"Christ is the best example of Gelassenheit. He provided the ultimate example of it when He, the Creator, yielded his life for the created."

Painting above is by Susie Riehl, her story is also in the book.

Reflections On Simplicity (from Amish Peace)

Some questions to ask yourself, aswell as some advice. All from one of the books I'm reading.

What's your perspective on the things you value? Do they mean more than they should?

How do you define a successful life? Have you ever asked yourself, "What does that definition of success cost me?"

God's Spirit often guides us by giving us a lack of peace about a certain decision.

What does your clothing express about you?

How much time is spent on your clothing needs? How much of it is on your clothing wants? What's the difference?

Amish Peace

Lately I've been reading a lot of novels about the Amish written by Wanda Brunstetter & a few by Beverly Lewis, and I've really enjoyed it. Really they are love stories with a more wholesome setting, and I'm a sucker for love stories.

Today I just started a book called Amish Peace: Simple Wisdom for a Complicated World and so far I love it. Each chapter is a small story about an Amish person or family (real stories) telling about the benefits of their simple yet hard working lifestyle. At the end of each chapter are some questions for the reader, and suggestions on how to live a simple life in our modern & very busy world.

I know, I know, what's with all the Amish books? In fact, when Paul saw I bought this one he asked "are you planning to go Amish?", of course he was kidding. While I would love to visit Amish country I have no wish to join their community, I do enjoy reading about their culture though.

It's amazing what all can be accomplished in a single day & pretty much all meals are made from scratch. Prayer is encouraged for every little decision, which to me just serves as a reminder to ask God for help, always. Men & women have their roles, and that's that!! Nowadays (for the most part) we modern folk are not brought up knowing the difference. We are taught that men should help with the dishes & a woman should want a career because being a wife & mother isn't good enough.

Over time I will make little posts with the reflection questions in the book, but not yet. Here are some pictures I found online.