We are an electric people. We don’t think about it much until we think of the Amish. Clark, Missouri, is known for its Amish community. I went with some friends this week to visit the shops for Amish goods.
It would be easy to romanticize their culture, as if this is how we used to be. We were more neighborly perhaps. Even today, if we lived amongst our own religious group with a set of common interests and goals, we would have a completely different outlook. Most of us live rather randomly today, picking a community in general and a house specifically.
In Amish country, we drove slowly. About half the traffic were horse and buggies. The road showed unusual wear: if you looked closely, you can see the worn strips from horse shoes. Nothing seemed to go to waste. Even the grass in the ditches next to the road went to use, populated with chickens and horses.
A small investment in the store brought me a basket filled with bulk spices. I stayed close to the wood stove that warmed the store. The spicy smell mixed with a scent of apples and burning wood. They sold potatoes and flour by the 50 lb. bags.
Outside the car window, I saw hay gathered in tied haystacks. It made me think of Van Gogh.
What stood out the most to me was the laundry. We were visiting on a Monday, traditionally laundry day. When we drove through, it was mid-morning and 40 degrees. They must have been washing while it was still dark to have it already hung. I would like to think it was a weekly load that hung out on the lines that often stretched more than 50 feet. If what I saw hanging out was the daily load, then God bless them.
I respect that the Amish have been intentional and made decisions about technology as a community. Amish society 100 years ago probably looked different than Amish society today. But they got together to plan how to change and why. We decide as individuals how much we want technology to intrude but it’s difficult to resist the tide of faster, better, more. Distractions have always existed, but now they are expertly targeted to distract us: Play more! Buy more! You deserve it! Bright colors, flashy lights, doesn’t this thing look good? Click click click!
Electronic screens made a fence between us
Kids moved independently throughout the community. A dark, lanky horse moved out in a quick trot. A boy of around 10 held the reins of a two-wheeled cart. We saw sisters walking to the store, hand in hand. They waved in friendly greeting to us when we passed.
Tonight I watched the news. They talked about the problem of teenagers using Snapchat with untraceable messages. Parents can’t know what photo was taken or what was said. “Your parents don’t know, your girlfriend doesn’t know.” They discussed the lack of accountability.
After our trip to the Amish country, I got home with my electricity. They installed our new dishwasher. I had two loads of dishes waiting. I put them in and the washer was so quiet, I could hardly hear it.
I filled up my washing machine with our clothes. I took a moment to watch them twirl and fall.
With my machines, I have time to write, walk the dogs and crochet for fun instead of income. As I wrote this blog post, I wondered if I’m too dependent on machines. Have I lost my appreciation? I looked up from my laptop to ask someone but my husband was focused on Candy Crush and my son was texting.
We are an electric people.
Blessing
Lord, let me remember I can survive without
conveniences.
Things of the world are nice but not necessary.
What matters is a birthday meal shared with friends.
Help us see another birthday as a blessing. Because each
birthday is.
Let me pull my attention away from
electronic devices and back to people
who thrive with our eye contact, our hugs and
our listening.
Lord, help me be an emissary of your love.
Tell me your thoughts!
Have you ever visited Amish country? How did it affect you? What do you depend on that wouldn’t work without electricity? What kind of simplicity attracts you? What do you think the world will look like when the teenagers of today are grandparents?
Light to grow in; reflections by Genevieve Howard 
I enjoyed this post. We raised our three children without the Internet or cell phones and have never regretted our decision. Now I enjoy these optional ‘toys’ as an ’empty-nester.’
Thanks for your experienced view! Appreciate your comment. It’s such an important conversation for parents to decide how much technology kids should have, especially with things like iPad holders for babies instead of things we used to have like mobiles!
I have been to Amish country so many times. My sister and I would go with my mom and grandma to the Amish country around Sturgeon, Missouri, all the time. We sometimes had our horses shod there. It’s an awesome world, but I’m glad to be in our electric world. Each have their pros… and cons. I’m glad that we can experience them both and that they open their world and ovens to us through delicious and affordable food. At the Bowling Green, Mo., Wal-Mart, they even have a hitching post and lean-to for all the Amish people to park their buggies since several live in the area. Every once in a while, I wish I lived in a time like that, but then I’m so very thankful for all that we do now have. “The happiest people don’t have the best of everything, they make the best of everything.”
Beautiful insight! Thanks for your story. How fun to see a hitching post at Wal-Mart!
First off, thanks for making me want to re-watch Weird Al’s “Amish Paradise” video 🙂 I think my first encounter with Amish country (which wasn’t very involved) was when I first visited you in MO. I know there are many Amish and similar populations in PA, where I visited last year but I didn’t see them. I think it’s a good challenge to try and live more simply but also be grateful for things like dishwashers and washing machines.
Boy, are we ever grateful for the new dishwasher! Singing little songs of happiness 😀 We will have to give you a closer look next time of Amish country. On this last visit, my friend bought me a map. It’s all hand drawn and done in cursive writing with who sells what.