Washing Machines

by Macy Johnson

“My mouth will speak words of wisdom;

the utterance from my heart will give understanding.”

(Psalm 49:3 NIV)

 

My husband, Jeff, and I enjoyed a quiet Friday morning on our porch. I cradled coffee in my hands and looked out over the calm surface of the lake as I listened to Jeff’s “to do” list. We both had plenty on our plates before our daughter and her family arrived that evening.

 

“I wonder if the washing machines will come back together this weekend,” Jeff commented. I turned to him with a deer-in-the-headlights stare. How can washing machines come together? “You did not pay attention to me when I told you about me and Carver,” my husband berated. “Apparently not,” I replied.

 

Jeff proceeded to explain that when he and Carver, our grandson, pressure-washed the dock this summer, Carver commented they made a good team and should be known as the “Washing Machines”! That sounded like something Carver would say. During the two weeks he stayed with us, he was the perfect example of a creative, inquisitive third grader.

 

Our group of ladies chatted nonstop while playing Dominoes one afternoon. Discussions turned to “things our mothers taught us.” The lady sitting next to me announced, “My mother always told me that men were only good for one thing: Vegal maintenance.” I turned to her and asked, “What is vegal maintenance?” Stunned, she replied, “Vehicle maintenance!”

 

I need to pay closer attention to others when they speak to me. I want to blame my lapse in understanding on hearing issues, but I know it is probably an awareness problem: wandering thoughts. The Holy Spirit is my mind’s washing machine, removing useless, unclean ideas.

 

I will listen more carefully to my Lord as I commune with Him and others each day. I hope you will, too!