Perspective

My washing machine has given up. Why don't I get that option?

It stopped mid-cycle, leaving my clothes soaking in a tub full of soapy water. I pulled everything out and have been rinsing each item in the bathtub before wringing them out the best I can. Of course, it was my load of sweatshirts and jeans - not a load of bibs and baby pajamas. I have found that laundry detergent is pretty strong stuff. My hands are burning and they are already cracking!

It's fine. I'll get a repairman/woman out by next week. I can handwash little things and take my bigger stuff over to Jackie's in the meantime. A new washing machine was certainly not in our budget this month. But we'll be fine. We always are.

I just can't stop thinking about maids and mothers and wives who have been doing this since the beginning of time. Right now there are women taking their children's clothes to a creek to get them clean. I'm sure they'd be more than happy to trade problems with me for today.

I guess I'm feeling a little more emotional than usual today. I started out so upset about the washing machine shorting out and now I can't stop thinking of all of my blessings.

It's a good day.