A Time to Reflect
A few years ago, my husband and I entered an Amish schoolhouse in Indiana, where I’d gone to speak about my books. Knowing that the children were outside playing during recess, I went to one of the windows inside the entryway and looked out. I was engrossed in watching some of the children play baseball, until a young Amish boy stepped up to me. “What are you doing?” he asked.
“I’m watching the ballgame,” I replied.
“You shouldn’t be looking out that window.”
“Why not?”
His brows puckered. “Because this is the boys’ side of the room.”
At first, I was a bit put off by the young boy’s bold statement. What difference did it make which window, on which side of the room, I’d chosen to look out? After a few minutes of reflection, however, I realized that this was the Amish way, and that, as a visitor, I should be respectful and understanding, rather than sensitive to my own needs. I moved over to the girls’ side of the entryway, even though there was no ballgame going on outside that window.
This incident made me think about the need to do some self-reflection concerning my spiritual life. It’s important to spend time in self-reflection every day and ask God if I’m in the place He wants me to be, rather than trying to do things my own way. One of the questions I’ve asked myself this week during my time of meditation is, “Do my actions match the words I speak?” What question during self-reflection do you have for God today?
I just finished reading The Struggle. I loved it as I love all your books.
I often ask if I had made the right choice years ago when I needed help. That decision changed a lot of lives
I often reflect on the same concepts you are mentioning here. Are my activities honoring to God and how can I serve Him better? I also reflect on learning more about who God is and His character traits. I find His character traits being highly important as I lean on Him and trust Him. I often remind myself: God is good. God is love. He is trustworthy. He does not allow evil for just evil’s sake, but makes good come from all things. He is faithful and perfect. Etc. It is in these traits and more that I find great comfort and peace. Have a great day!
I ask myself if I’m following God’s will in my life? Am I being obedient to His will for me?Do my actions bring glory to God or grief. Yes Wanda, I agree it is good to have times of self-reflection often. Sometimes God uses others to help us in our times of self-reflection.
Thanks for sharing your visit to the Amish school. We learn something new every day, don’t we?
Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend and may God bless you and your family.
I REFLECTION ON THE LORD EVERY DAY SOME TIME’S IT HARDER THEN OTHER’S. I HAVE SOME TIME DONE MY OWN WILL THEN HAVE TO ASK MYSHILF IF I JUST DONE THAT. I HAVE TO THINK ABOUT IF OTHER’S REALLY SEE GOD IN ME.IT’S HARDER TO THE WILL OF THE LORD IN THIS DAY IN TIMES. I’M REALLY HAPPY I HAVE FOUND YOUR BOOKS GOD BLESS HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND
Hello. I wanted to leave a note for Mrs. Brunstetter…so I shall leave it here. *smile* We have her Rachel Yoder books (the entire set) and our son has read through them, and enjoyed them. He was seven when he made his way for the first time through that set. *smile* We have been getting the Mark and Maddy books since we purchased our first one in the series. Both our just turned six year old daughter and our just turned eight year old son love these books! They can read them in a couple weeks. So, if you are looking for great books to add to your personal library or to contribute to your public library these are wonderful! Thank you, Wanda, for these wonderful children’s books! Sincerely, Mommy of two growing blessings & so much more!
I n my self reflection with God I’m always asking is all my actions and words reflecting His characteristics. I remember from my early childhood being told “You are the only Bible some people will read.” Which made and makes me today remember individuals are always watching my actions and listening to what I say. I want Jesus to be please with me so it’s important to spend time with God daily and have the inner self reflection to become more like Him throughout my life. Thank you for sharing your heart here. I love all your books and waiting for the new ones to be available (Discovery Series # 5 and # 2 of the Quilting Club.
God’s blessings to you, Wanda.
This is my first time on your website and journal entries. I have enjoyed reading your newsletters since I have joined your email list a few months ago. I am from Indiana, but currently not living in the state. I enjoyed seeing the Amish and buying Amish products. My husband and I talk about living life simpler, so hearing these Amish ways helps to self reflect on how we can make that happen. Our biggest challenge would be our children. The technology that they are exposed to now-a-days is over abundant. Getting them to see a simple life and adopting the ways would prove to be a task on a daily basis. But… worth a try.