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AMISH LIVING AND CAREERS
I WAS WONDERING IF SOMEONE OUT THERE CAN ANSWER THIS. DO THE AMISH STRIVE FOR THINGS THAT INTEREST THEM AS A CAREER(SO TO SPEAK?) OR DO THEY END UP DOING WHAT THEY WERE RAISED DOING-PERHAPS THERE PARENTS SAW THAT THEY HAD A TALENT FOR SOMETHING AND STEERED THEM IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION. THE REASON I ASK IS THAT I HAVE PURSUED THE GRAPHIC ARTS FOR SEVERAL YEARS NOW AND HAVE HAD LIMITED RESULTS. I HAVE AN OK JOB BUT ONE THAT DOESN'T PAY WELL AND SEEMS TO BE MORE FRUSTRATING THAN IT'S WORTH. I JUST KEEP THINKING THAT THIS ISN'T WHAT I'M SUPPOSED TO BE DOING-LIKE GOD HAD SOMETHING MORE IMPORTANT TO DO BUT I GOT OFF TRACK SOMEWHERE. I ALWAYS END UP THINKING ABOUT THE AMISH BECAUSE FROM MY PERSPECTIVE THEY ARE NOT THINKING IN TERMS OF CAREER BUT NECESSITY. THAT WORKING THE LAND LINKS THEM MORE CLOSELY TO GOD. HOPEFULLY I AM BEING CLEAR. THE BIBLE STUDY HAD TO DO WITH TURNING THINGS OVER TO GOD AND ALLOWING HIM TO STEER YOUR LIFE. YOU PRAY FOR THINGS DILIGENTLY LIKE A CAREER AND SOMETIMES THE ANSWER COMES IN WAYS YOU DON'T EXPECT. MY PROBLEM IS THAT EVERYTHING IS GREAT AT CHURCH AND I HAVE THE UNDERSTANDING OF LESSONS BUT I HAVE TROUBLE PERFORMING IT. I WANT TO BE IN CONTROL.
Re: AMISH LIVING AND CAREERS
Amish have strong feelings toward following ancient traditional practices. Even with their yearnings to do a lot of other "non-tradional" stuff, they grew up being disciplined to go through the tradional route of life. That's simply how they are.
Re: AMISH LIVING AND CAREERS
Hullo to ya and let me see if I can't help ya out with your question. Like all people, some Amish men have talents in one area and not so much in another. It wouldn't serve anyone, includin' God, if someone was forced into a profession that he absolutely was not gut at. Some men are gut with the use of their hands and make beautiful wood products, such as furniture, etc. Others might have a natural talent for the land, and thus become sucessfull farmers. Farmin' is not for all men, but then, neither is carpentry.
Leah E Mast
Re: AMISH LIVING AND CAREERS
If we strive to be the best we can be at a career or even mundane chores, we glorify the Lord. That is not prideful, it only becomes prideful when we EXPECT praise for the job well done. I believe that my closing verse sums it up, the first word of the verse is DISCREET, that means that we quietly go about doing our wifely duties.
God expects 100% from us and all the praise and glory should go to Him, He gifted us with abilities. That's the way I've always interpreted the Amish way of living.
To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. Titus 2:5
Re: AMISH LIVING AND CAREERS
Staib: An Art career is one of the most difficult ones to attain, and one in which sheer devotion to the art is mandatory. When one is an artist, then that art is like a spoiled child. It has to be doted on and then it is happy, so to speak. Anyhow, I would just stick to your plans. Where do you live by the way? A graphic artist makes money in urban areas, not in the suburbs or the country. While you are honing your craft, get a second job to fill in the financial gaps until something better in your field comes along. Do not give up. Art takes great committment; sometimes more committment than we are willing to give. Do not compare yourself to the Amish, because they live in a different society than you do. There are no Amish graphic artists. There may be some who have artistic talent, and they sell things they make. Graphic art usually is prevalent in advertising. If it is your passion, you should steadfastly continue it. As long as Christ is at the center of all your intentions, you will find the guidance you seek. Good Luck. Susan
Re: AMISH LIVING AND CAREERS
Well you hit the nail on the head in one area. I live mid state NY where jobs in any aspect especially good paying jobs are limited. I am working in graphic arts but not what I wanted to be doing long term. You are right I do have to make the committment. I just need to stay inspired and right now I'm not there. Again thanks for responding.
Re: AMISH LIVING AND CAREERS
I thank you all for writing back. I have been dealing with this issue(s) and have not been able to figure out what direction to go. See the Amish really do have their priorities correct. I have had it beaten in my head that the career is the thing. Since that hasn't been working as planned I have become very depressed over it. I can't say the answers I have received have made me feel any better, it just raises more questions. During the economic down turn do I stay with what I have? Do I still persistantly persue my career goals? Do I drop it all together which would make my education in graphic arts meaningless. Do I learn to trust God and let Him naturally move me in the direction He wants me to be?
Re: AMISH LIVING AND CAREERS
You need to follow the guidelines of Amish/Mennonite beliefs, all their thoughts/actions are based on these things:
1st: What can I do to bring glory to God?
2nd: What can I do that will acheive #1 plus substain the community (amish/mennonite)
3rd: What can I do that will acheive #1 and #2 plus provide for my family
Self: There is very little self thought, only am I doing #2 and #3 right and proper in order to fulfill #1
In Amish beliefs the #1 work for man to be able to fulfill #1 is farming/agiculture,than you go from there...But always God,Community,Family,Self
Re: AMISH LIVING AND CAREERS
Hi, the Amish do not seek careers that express individual accomplishments because that would negate the very basis of their faith. To the Amish, the church is the body of believers and it is important to protect and preserve the way of life they believe best allows for true Christian expression. For example, if an Amish family encouraged their musical son to go to Julliard , well then they can expect him never to come back to the farm. That is why, I suppose, the Amish allow a period of teenage running around so that once the wild oats are sown, then the young person will return to the faith and join the church. Certainly there are ways in the community where one can express one's talent or love of a particular something. Look at the beautiful workmanship that goes into quilt making, baking and woodworking. TO the Amish, what is important is not your development as an individual because that would entail a sense of pride, and encourage self centeredness. IT is how you care and love your neighbor and act as a church that reveals Christ. To seek first the Kingdom of God, and then all falls into place, however different it may turn out to be from your first expectation. Susan
Re: AMISH LIVING AND CAREERS
Sue I have been wondering about the point you made and it has left me with questions. I do not mean disrespect with this question but very curious about this. Because of their beautiful workmanship with their quilts, woodworking, cooking, etc. wouldn't that give a reason for pride? How about pride of your family? To me, this would be VERY hard not to have pride in this area.
Re: AMISH LIVING AND CAREERS
Hi BK, Pride which emanates from a sense of self is something that really has no place in the Christian character, particularly for Amish or Mennonites. At least, not overtly. Making lovely quilts is done and perhaps admired for the work it entailed and the cameraderie it engendered, but it would not be a source of pride. Another example :I know an Old Order Mennonite schoolteacher who I correspond with and have visited at home and school. I was surprised to learn that she along with a few other teachers produce text books under the name , "Schoolaid". Now I had some of those books when I was teaching, and a lot of work and research went into them. However, not one woman had her name in the credits. They would not dream of doing that. It is all tied in with what they call, "gelassenheit". a kind of yieldedness to humility. It is the reason why women keep their caps on almost all the time. It is not just a "prayer cap". it is a symbol of a woman's submission to the male.The male is the head of the woman. The male is in submission to Christ as is everyone. So, they are brought up to think of themselves dead last more or less. This is the reason why they do not have mirrors everywhere or have photos of themselves. It is all about humility. THey do enjoy their children very much, and it is very much a kid friendly community, but it is not their way to brag about their child or show pride in what they do. I would suppose human nature is human nature, and I know there has to be times when a smart kid makes the parent happy. But that would not be something talked about much. It is the reason why there is no competitive sports or prizes for good work. Everyone is expected to do their best for God. To have someone stand out because of accomplishments would be to make the community uneven, as it were. No one is inherently better than anyone else, which is why the clothing is simple and similar if you have $100,000 or $100. It doesn't mean anything as only the Kingdom of Heaven is important. When one understands what it means to be a Christ centered community that is non resistant in every way, then one can have a better grasp as to what it means to be a member of these groups. Susan
Re: AMISH LIVING AND CAREERS
Staib, thanks for your post. I don't think you're alone in wanting to be in control. I feel the same way. I can only speak in generalities, but Amish women omen are raised to have being a homemaker as a goal, the definition of success for most Amish women is having a large family...Amish men's definition of professional success first and foremost is being able to provide for their family....If an Amish man really wants to be a cabinetmaker, but the only way to support the family is factory-work, than factory-work will be the winner....So an Amish boy generally just wantsto be a "provider" for the family when he grows up, the "how" (the career) is secondary......The Amish do have a very creative entrepreneurial streak, so men are very good at figuring out ways to be self-supporting, self-employed...but providing for the family is always first...
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