In my upcoming children’s book, “Humble Pie,” which will be published in October, I deal with the topic of learning to be humble. The goal of every Amish church member is to be a humble person, not full of hochmut (pride). Everyone in the Amish community knows his or her place in life and must choose to be content with that. The Bible teaches us to be clothed with humility. That means we are to wear it all the time so that others may see Christ living in us. Humility isn’t just about not bragging; it’s about being willing to do the most menial tasks. It’s about serving others and thereby serving the Lord, without needing any recognition. The gentle humble spirit I’ve seen in my Amish friends encourages me to wear the clothes of humility, too. “Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, then to divide the spoil with the proud.” Proverbs 16:19. What are your thoughts on the topic of humility? Do you think there is ever a time when it’s okay to brag?

A few months ago, my husband and I were in Sarasota, Florida, visiting with some of our dear Amish friends who had come there for a vacation. They’d only been there a few days when they got a call from home, saying someone new in their church district had passed away unexpectedly. This Amish couple, as well as the others who were with them, set aside the plans they’d made for the rest of their vacation. They quickly secured a ride home so they could be there for the funeral, and to offer comfort to the man’s grieving widow and children. I thought about their sacrifice and wondered how many of us “Englishers” would give up our vacation to return home for the funeral of someone we didn’t know that well.

One of the things I admire most about my Amish friends is their dedication to God and the love they show to others whenever there is a need. While they might not evangelize, hand out tracks, or go door-to-door, sharing the Good News, they are living, by example, the way our Lord wants each of us to live. Their lives, and the sacrifices they make for others, are a true testimony of their devotion to God.

I’ve done some soul-searching since our trip to Florida, and have asked myself what sacrificies I have made recently that would let others see the love of Jesus shining in me. How about you? Is there a way you can witness to others about Jesus by making some sacrificies this week?

It’s our human nature to want everything to go perfectly, and in our own way. Unfortunately, that’s not reality. In order to feel a sense of peace, we must learn to accept the things that are out of our control, while praying for God’s will in all things.

The popular “Serenity Prayer,” is a good reminder, and in my opinion, one that everybody should memorize. It goes like this:
“God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.”

I don’t know if my Amish friends have memorized that prayer, but I do know that from what I have witnessed, they “live” the Serenity Prayer. When a tragedy occurs, they grieve, just as we would do, but they accept it as God’s will, knowing that it’s out of their control, and that in the end, He will use it to His glory.

Is there something in your life you are concerned about or stressing over? If you’re not able to change it, have you accepted it as God’s will? If it’s a situation you can change, do you have the courage to do it? Have you asked God for the wisdom to know whether your situation is something that can be changed or if it’s something you need to accept?

What are some ways we can discern God’s will and know whether to accept or try to change our situation?