Today I had dedicated to learning some about the Amish religion and culture. We had overnighted at Walmart, and I was shocked to wake up to this: horse and buggy stalls (occupied!) in the parking lot! Little did I know this was about as close as I would get.

We headed to the city of Berlin, OH, where there is a modern Amish home they give tours of (and buggy rides). But not today. I did get to cuddle some sweet, Amish bulldog puppies, so I guess it evened out. 😉

I have heard the Amish are a bit shy. Maybe private is a better word. And I’m not much for gawking uninvited, which is why I was hoping for the tour, because that seems to be an open invitation. But as we drove the narrow, country roads, bucolic and lined with buggies we passed, even a group of children playing outside a one room schoolhouse, I did some research and some thinking about their religion. 

I think if I did not believe so strongly in my own religion, I would like to be Amish. The basic tenets of being “plain,” humble, and hardworking. I envy the lack of activities to be involved in, and the ensuing guilt in our society for not doing every activity possible. Some peacefulness would be nice, in life and in myself. It’s easy to say I can find or create a simple life, with these godly qualities I desire, but it is very difficult in our society. How much easier to step into their world and leave it all behind. I’m not alone. The Amish religion is growing by leaps and bounds these days. People are craving a simpler life, and fleeing their own to find it. I understand.