SUSPENSE SISTERS: A Marriage for Meghan

A person can’t study someone else’s culture and traditions without their own life being impacted. After interviewing, researching, and writing about the Amish in my novels, I found my own life impacted by these simple, God-fearing people. Since we Englishers love lists, here are five things I’ve learned from them that will be helpful during this health crisis.

1. Slow down. Whether driving, talking, or eating dinner, a person finds more enjoyment if they slow down. You’ll still finish what you need to on any given day. Whoever said “haste makes waste” knew what he or she was talking about.

2. Make do with less. An Amish woman’s entire wardrobe hangs on bedroom hooks or can be folded into one or two dresser drawers. English women often buy because it’s too good a bargain to pass up. Shop with a list of what you need and purchase nothing else, no matter how great the price.

3. Don’t compare yourself to others. There is little competition in the Amish world. We will always find someone smarter, prettier, richer, or more talented than us. If we dwell on them, we will never to content and never rise to our personal best.

4. Don’t over-plan life. The best opportunities come up spur-of-the-moment. If we map out our entire future—or try to—we’ll miss the valuable chances God drops into our path.

5. Trust God in all matters. As a Christian, I have witnessed his awesome power to change lives. The Amish demonstrate their faith and trust each day. Although I might not be ready to give up health insurance, I am ready to put God in charge of this pandemic and stop worrying about the future.

Let us all pledge to worry less and pray more during these difficult times. Remember, readers, we are not alone.

Two of my favorite books, Abigail’s New Hope and A Marriage for Meghan, are currently on sale for 1.99 at all e-book outlets.