Thoughts

A month and a half ago our dishwasher quit working.  Normally, I would have rushed out and purchased a new one, but for whatever crazy reason, I decided I want my kids to learn how to do dishes the old-fashioned way.  After all, I didn't have the luxury of a dishwasher until I was a Senior in high school and not only did I survive, but I feel that washing dishes with my siblings helped me grow closer to them.  Lots of laugher and talking took place at the kitchen sink in our home. I'm sure some fights occurred, too, but those memories have faded, and the happy ones remain.  Doing dishes by hand is not done quickly.  Dishwashers truly are very convenient and free up some time, however, we are still washing by hand . .

There is a silver lining in all of this.  I am often cold in the winter.  Very cold.  And putting my hands in hot soapy water has warmed me up every day.  Small perk, but a perk nevertheless!

Way above and beyond being warm, though, is the time that it has given me for pondering and reflection.  Many things are always happening in life and I don't often take the time to really sit and reflect on their meaning.

As I was recently given a new calling at church that has required me to rely on the Lord much more fully, more than a few realizations and inspirations have come while washing dishes and praying.  

As disease and dementia has progressed in several family members' lives, I have pondered on memories with those sweet people and am so grateful for their lives and influence on me and have prayed for their comfort as they face pain, difficulty, and decline in quality of life.

As people I know have lost loved ones - many of them suddenly, my heart has ached and my tears have mingled with the dishwater for the loss they are feeling and will continue to feel for some time. I have wondered how I can help ease that hurt.  I have thought more about how much those I love mean to me and how I can show them that love more often while we are all here on this earth together.

I have loved looking out my window above the sink to see my kids playing in the snow with each other and friends, having photo shoots, and chasing the dog with laughter and squeals of delight ringing out.  I've laughed out loud watching them, and also felt a twinge knowing that in only a few short years I will be looking out at an empty yard.  How much I love them!

I have washed and dried dishes with Darin by my side, and have appreciated his willingness to be an equal partner (and really he is so much more than equal - he does more than his fair share) in our home, to be a loving, supportive husband and father, to be someone I enjoy working with and spending time with.  I think we make a pretty good team.

These moments at the sink full of dirty dishes are treasured and a reminder to me that I need to take more time to sit and reflect on my blessings and thank the Lord for them.  My kids may not be learning how to wash dishes very well. In fact, they are very good at avoiding that task! But in doing the dishes, I am learning so much more than how to clean dishes.

And I am grateful.