Sunday, September 16, 2007

a simple life

well this weekend we went to amish country and saw many beautiful and interesting things. i admire them in many ways. i think we can learn a lot about them and their life style. they really believe in a "simple life" and in not trying to be better than all those around them, but equals. all their houses and land was pristine and beautiful. everything was so neat and clean and it's apparent that they take great pride in the upkeep of their homes, land, and country.

as we were there i couldn't help but think back to the tragedy several months back when that milk man that delivered to an amish community in pennsylvania and was grieved at the loss of his baby girl, and went and held hostage the girls at school and then killed and wounded them. i remember reading about how the amish community forgave that man and mourned for his family. this example was the ultimate story of forgiveness and christ-like love.

as i watched these people in wonder, i had nothing but respect for them and their culture. i thought how many times i make life way more difficult than needs be...to the amish the most important part of life is their family. if everyone is this world even just followed them in this one aspect, the world would be a drastically better place.
this was a general store in amish country that we went to with matt's parents and brother, rob, who came in town for the weekend (see next post). they had lots of cool toys and other nifty odds and ends.

8 comments:

Kristi said...

I love what you wrote here. I totally agree with you and your feelings about simplicity. What a great way to put it! I want to visit there when we come! :o)

danahollis said...

Oh... I'm so envious. I'd love to visit Amish Country. I've read so many books about the Amish (from the library)and find their sensibilities to be so comforting.

Love that family group photo! :)

Hugs,
Dana

Brooke and Brett Martin said...

thanks for sharing those thoughts lara. seemed like i needed to read that this very morning...
i wish everyone around lived more of the 'simple' life. i long for that.

Mike and Debbie said...

Today, I have spent the day blog hopping and catching up on many of our old "singles" ward members. It was so fun. Anyway, after going to Auburn and Dave's I saw your site and wanted to say hi and to tell you that I have finally convinced Liza to set up a blog so you will have to call her and get her blog address. (I'm trying to convince her to stick with it! I know she'll have a blast once she gets going!) So fun to see all of what you guys have been up to!

Carma Lee said...

Inspiring is a great way to describe our drive through Amish country. Ahhh, that we could all be so Christlike!

Tracy said...

pretty pics - sounds like a wonderful time. : )

Emilee said...

Loved all the pics. I bet it was fun to have some visitors too. The Amish are special. They have some really good home-made food too! And the story about the man killing was so sad, yet the example the Amish gave to the rest of the country was remarkable. They forgave him and gave his family money to help with his funeral expenses too. Amazing! There would be so many less problems in this world if we could all be more forgiving and selfless...

J.R. said...

There is something very appealing about living so simply. Maybe they are on to something. Then again I love technology waaaay too much. I think I would just like to take a vacation and live like an Amish person. That would probably be enough for me :)