Amish Proverb
One of my earliest associations in writing with the Amish people of North Central Pennsylvania, is the proverb "There is no beauty without purpose." A tribute to the plainness and utilitarian image we hold of this people, the saying nonetheless has relevance for the Englisher's life. When considering my recent move from Georgia to Pennsylvania, I think about the fact that I believed I had "scaled down" on stuff--generalized clutter, memorabilia, etc. When we arrived at our new home, I found that I had barely scratched the surface. My visiting brother would ask me--"Does THIS (whatever breadmaker, sweater fuzz remover, or garden stool, etc.) HAVE A PURPOSE? I would study the disparaged thing, rationalize, and he'd go on. "Have you used it in the past year?" I'd admit defeat. By no means a clutter junkie, I nonetheless had forgotten the above proverb. Beauty comes often from simplicity and with purpose AND everyday use. Amish quilts, inherently beautiful, serve a purpose n the family home. The Amish kitchen garden, that profuse, intimate arrangement of sustenance and serenity has a purpose...and on it goes. So, this week, ask yourself if what you are surrounded by has a purpose--if it doesn't --can you remove it? If it does, what beauty does it bring to you? And, for me, I'd go one step further (over my still box ridden bedroom) and apply this proverb to my spiritual life...Am I hanging on to things which have no purpose --negative emotions, grudges, unforgiveness? If so, and the answer is YES, then I think I need to do some more decluttering and beautify my soul into the sweetness of the Amish proverb...
PEACE,
Kelly Long
PEACE,
Kelly Long
Posted by Kelly Long at 11/19/2010 6:41 AM 
Categories: Amish culture, Amish facts, Amish families, Amish
Tags: Kelly Long Amish
Categories: Amish culture, Amish facts, Amish families, Amish
Tags: Kelly Long Amish
I totally agree with this about "stuff". My house is for sale and when I move, I'm selling everything! I bought most of it used anyway, so why pay to move it?
When I get to the new house, I'll shop in thrift stores and at auctions. No more unused "stuff"!
My house is for sale in NC and I want to move to Lancaster County, PA. If the house doesn't sell, then I can't move. Appreciate your prayers.
blessings,
Doreen
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Dear Doreen,
I will pray that the house sells! We are very close to Lancaster, and it is beautiful. Please let me know when it sells!
Kelly Long
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Dear Kelly,
I really enjoyed your thoughts today. Definitely worth pondering. Blessings
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Very well put Kelly......I too have things I need to get rid of....I moved 15 mos. ago and still have boxes of STUFF in the garage to go thru.....and decide what to do with.....some things just can't part with.......there must be a better way LOL
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Hi Kelly, Thanks for the lovely article. I am also trying to declutter and not having much luck. I am reading Sarah's Garden and loving every minute of it. Welcome to Amish Hearts.
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It is funny to read this post at this time in my life! I am finishing up my vacationfor this year from work and I told someone the other day" I am going to live like the Amish, I am cleaning my house and getting rid of everything I don't use". I admire their focus on life and the simple things that bring happiness!! I must admit I would need another vacation to acomplishe the effect I long for as I have so much of those unnecessary items that clutter up our lives and slow us down. Keep writing and reminding us of the plain and simple life Kelly !!
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ouch. stepped on my toes. one of the things my husband and I fight about is MY clutter. And even in my heart there is stuff I need to throw out and start with a fresh look. Maybe you have gave me the push I need. Thank you.
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My husband and I lived in Wayne County, Ohio for the first 2 years of our marriage. While I did not have much in the way interaction with the Amish community, I grew to appreciate their way of living. Now, nearly 48 yrs. later, I am among those looking at my surroundings and wondering how much I really need in the way of clothing, kitchen stuff, etc. This blog/post truly resonated with me as I am in the process of donating my late husband's clothing, etc. to those who could use them, and am looking at his books and other belongings with the same eye - yet I don't want to rid my household of all of it. It might be easier to accomplish more if I would recite the above proverb each time I pick up something. God made this beautiful earth and I would like to stop cluttering it with "stuff"! Hard to do when I work at home, have grandchildren, etc., but I can keep it in mind as I work.
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