The Amish remind me that if we spent all of the time we spent arguing with one another and getting important work done instead, we would quickly become the country we hoped to be and thought we were.
Community really does matter, so does concern for something other than love or money. This iconic photograph reminds me of photographers’ pictures over the years of men (and women) coming together to do great good and accomplish great things.
A barn raising is perhaps not in the category of great things, but the way these men looked out for one another and worked together and never stopped or slowed until the work was done will stay with me for a long time.
It both lifts me and saddens me because this small and somewhat isolated company of fundamentalist Christians seems to have retained more of our good values than we have.
We fight more than we work. They work and don’t fight. They can accomplish miracles overnight with no tools other than a lever, some measuring tape, and some powerful faith.
These photographs create great emotions; they make us feel and think and yearn.
Good for Moise, good for them. He did it, and he did it well.
Reading your posts I think what the Amish accomplish, not just in working together like this, but in their community values, connection and care is a great thing and we could learn much from them. Thank you Jon.
Well said.
Love the comment about community coming together to accomplish good things without thinking about money. The Amish are remarkable for what they do (and what they do without). Glad the barn will be finished tonight, too; I think it’s supposed to rain in your area tomorrow afternoon. As always, thank you for sharing these activities with us on your blog.
Jon, well said! I agree the Amish give us hope and a humble example.
I think your photos are as iconic as any I’ve seen, but clearly eclipse others’ when you add your mesmerizing word pictures. This will be an event me, and many, will long remember – you are gracious to share your outstanding relationship with the Miller family.
“Thank you” doesn’t begin to say enough.
Great narration and observation! ?
A barn raising is indeed in the category of great things, Jon! With communal love, respect and work a barn and what it will do for the Amish and for the entire community is born. Barns have been an American symbol of community of love and care for the land and animals for hundreds of years. This barn will stand for a very long time to come!
This particular post reminds me that it would be good for me to be more like the man my father and grandfather were, and less like the man society and social media seems to want to make me into. Pretty powerful indictment with a photo and a post. Well done, Jon, And thank you for the reminder, I sure needed it.