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?

Traveling down the road in our rented car sometime ago, I was surprised to see an elderly Amish woman struggling to get her horse out of a ditch and back on the road. Before my husband had a chance to respond to the situation, our Amish friend who sat in the backseat shouted, “Please, stop the car; I need to help that woman!” My husband had barely stopped the car when our friend jumped out and raced over to the horse and buggy. Having grown up around horses, she wasn’t afraid, and quickly had the horse under control so the elderly woman could get back in her buggy. Watching the situation unfold, I thought of the Bible verse that reminds us that we are to love our neighbors as ourselves. That means helping when we see a need.
It’s easy to find a reason not to get involved—indifference, busyness, or fear. Life for the Amish isn’t about seeing if they can get ahead of their neighbors, but seeing if they can help their neighbors.
As we seek to follow the Lord, we should look for opportunities to help our neighbors. We may be the only Jesus they’ll ever see. Is there something you might do to help one of your neighbors this week?

With all of the negative things going on in our world right now, it’s easy to become depressed and allow our minds to be filled with negative thoughts. However, the Bible clearly states in Philippians 4:8 that we are to think on positive things: Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, if there be any virtue, if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8.
One thing that became clear to me when we began making friends with the Amish was their positive outlook on life. Not only do our Amish friends enjoy telling jokes and sharing stories, but they like to focus on the beauty of God’s creation. I’ve noticed that most Amish gardens are abundant with colorful flowers. Bird houses and feeders can also be found in their yards. Observing the beauty of flowers and watching the birds at the feeders is not only enjoyable, but it fills our minds with positive thoughts.
In order to be happy and keep from having negative thoughts, it helps if we can focus on the positive things around us. Watching flowers bloom and trees bud; listening to the birds sing, gazing at a beautiful sunset, giving someone a hug–these are just a few of the things that brings joy to me and fills my mind with positive thoughts.
If we don’t think positive thoughts, we can easily become negative, cynical, and depressed. What are some things you do during difficult times to maintain a positive attitude? Take a few moments to write down several things you appreciate about your surroundings. Make a list of things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report. When you do, your heart will feel a little lighter. Your outlook will be a little brighter.