Friday, September 08, 2006

Everyday Things ~ Washer & Dryer

"...For I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances." Philippians 4:11


If you want any one thing too much it's likely to disappoint. The healthy way is to learn to like the everyday things, like
soft beds and buttermilk..."-- Augustus McCrae-"Lonesome Dove"

As I put in my 3rd full size load of laundry into the washer tonight, I said a very grateful prayer of thanks for my washer and dryer. Having 3 kids I can't see how I could do without it. I've never had to go for a time without one and it boggles my mind. I cannot imagine hauling all the laundry I have down to a laundromat and sitting there for hours until it was done.

I like to read historical novels, and when I read of the pioneer days, where they boiled stuff over an open fire and then scrubbed against a washboard, I am so grateful for my washer. When I think of how my mom used to bend over a wringer washer, filling it with a hose attached to the sink, putting through the wringer and then hauling it all outside to dry on the line. While they smelled wonderful, I remember her in the middle of winter with her hands red and frozen trying to hang the stuff out and then bringing it in frozen, to finish the rest of the drying inside.

So I'm very grateful I live in the day and age of automatic wash machines, that almost, not quite but almost, load themselves, and dryers that dry almost without wrinkles.

11 comments:

Beck said...

Good one! I actually did not have a washer until I was married (my husband did have a drier, thanks to a roommate), and going to the laundremat every weekend was drudgery!

Malissa said...

yes! I can't imagine washtubs and scrub boards--but they did not have anywhere near the amount of clothing that we do either;)

Shalee said...

Oh yes. I often thank God for letting me live in THIS time rather than 100 years before. Can you imagine what our kids will be saying 20 years from now and how things will be made easier for them? (We hope.)

Anonymous said...

AMEN!!!!!! I can't imagine having to do without my washer and dryer! Thanks be to God for the inventors of such an awesome pair of machines!!!

Shawna said...

Yes, you are so right, Susanne. I am so thankful that I do live today for all of my modern appliances. Why do I whine? Good one.

Overwhelmed! said...

Oh yes, I'm with you on this one. I'm so very grateful for my washer and dryer.

Back in college, I had to lug my laundry to the laundromat for about the first year. Finally, I promised myself that when I rented an apartment or a house again, it would HAVE to have a W/D or at least hookups. I kept that promise and I've never looked back!

Barbie @ Mamaology said...

What a good reminder to be thankful for something that is sooo easy to take for granted. I too am Very thankful I can just throw my clothes in the washer and then move them to the dryer and they're done. We should never complain about laundry....we are so blessed.

Islandsparrow said...

Me too Suzanne - I remember my mom's wringer washer - I was always fascinated with the way the rollers squeezed the clothes - I must have been tempted to put my fingers near it because I can still hear my mom's voice "Keep your fingers away!"

My mil still uses a washboard to clean socks!

Hen Jen said...

You are so right Susanne, I love my washer. With four kids, I can't imagine having to wash by hand...down by the creek!

Jenny in Ca

PastormacsAnn said...

Oh definitely definitely! I can't even imagine doing all this laundry without my trusty helpers.

Here's what my SIL said when I used my washer and dryer as my Everyday Thing(s). Definitely applies to you too.

"Ah...you are just like the Proverbs 31 woman who had her servants...yours just have to plug in!!"

Stacey said...

Amen! We are so spoiled, aren't we?