Wanda Brunstetter

Amish Front Porch Stories

{November 2019}

Come and sit awhile as you enjoy 18 fictional short stories of love, joy, and the peace found in Amish country.

Amish Country is known for an atmosphere of peace and quiet, perfect for front-porch sitting with a good book. Join New York Times bestselling author Wanda E. Brunstetter, her daughter-in-law, and granddaughter, as they share 18 heartwarming stories from Amish Country. These fictional short stories include journeys we can all relate to as we seek how to live led by love, joy, peace, patience, and other Fruits of the Spirit. Meet Anna, who struggles to show love to a cantankerous neighbor; Laura, who endures infertility; Nora, whose pride threatens to consume her life; and other women who walk in their faith each day.

Whatever We Do

I’ve had the privilege of helping some of our Amish friends do a few of their chores—washing dishes, bagging homemade bread, setting and clearing the table. Never once did I hear anyone complain about the work they had to do. In fact, it was done without question.
There’s something satisfying and rewarding about work, and it can actually become an enjoyable task if we have someone to visit with while we’re doing it. Even tasks done alone can be satisfying. The smell of laundry that’s been hung on the line to dry outdoors brings a sense of satisfaction. Cleaning windows, scrubbing floors, and doing the dishes should be looked upon with gratification, knowing you’ve done your best.
Among the Amish, work is viewed as helping others. They work cooperatively within the family, and even young children are included when they’re given simple chores to do. Maybe the reason my Amish friends don’t complain about the work they’re required to do is because they’ve learned that whatever they do, they’re doing it, as unto the Lord, and not unto men.
Have you done any chores this week with the help of a friend or relative? If you determined to do it for the Lord, did it seem a little easier?