Every time my husband and I have been invited into an Amish home for supper we’ve enjoyed the light banter, joke-telling, and laughter that accompanies the meal. During such a recent occasion, I was asked to do a ventriloquist routine. Since I didn’t have my dummy with me, our Amish hostess brought out a large hand puppet she’d picked up at a yard sale sometime ago. I then put on a short routine that involved the audience in a song the puppet sang. Afterwards, one of the Amish children looked inside the puppet’s mouth and asked what happened to his voice, as it wasn’t there anymore. Everyone had a good laugh over that.
Having grown up in a house where laughter was scarce, I find it refreshing to be with people who like to laugh and have a good time. In fact, I often look for things to laugh about, knowing that laugher is not only good for me emotionally, but physically as well.
There are times when I might not feel like laughing, but if I remind myself to look around, there’s always something to smile about—a frisky pet, singing birds, flowers in bloom, children at play.
The Bible tells us in Proverbs 17:22 that a merry heart is good medicine. Just like the birds that sing in my yard, our Amish friends know how to share their joy with others. Make a list of some things that bring a smile to your face. A joyful heart is pleasing to the Lord, and it’s an added benefit to know that it’s good for you, too. What are some things you find to laugh about?

Build Community: The old saying, “Many hands make light work,” is certainly true among the Amish. At quilting parties, work frolics and barn raisings there’s always more than enough help to get the job done. Even for things like preparing meals, cleaning the house, and doing outside chores, everyone chips in.

If you are trying to incorporate some Amish ways into your life, why not get together with some of your friends or family members to do yard or household chores? It will get done much faster, and you will enjoy the sweet fellowship that comes with working together.

What are some things you have done with the help of family or friends? Did it turn into a time of fun and fellowship, as well as getting a job done?

Embrace Entrepreneurialism:

Amish children only attend school through the eighth grade, but the formal education they receive is comparable to a 12th grade education in many public schools. After graduation, Amish young people learn a trade or master a high-quality craft like quilting or furniture making. Once a trade is learned, some young people work for a relative, or someone else in the area running a business they have been trailed in. As they progress, some may start their own business, or even work two jobs. In my six-book Amish Millionaire series, Eustace Byler became wealthy because he allowed oil wells on his property. Surprisingly enough, some Amish people do quite well financially.

The main reason the Amish succeed at what they do is because they are hard-working and reliable at their jobs. They aren’t caught up with TV, computers, or other modern things that would take away from an honest day’s work. They strive to do their best and it shows in the quality of their work.

Do you or someone you know own anything made by the Amish? Have you noticed the quality of the workmanship? How can we teach our English young people to have good work ethics?