For reason that began years ago, I am not the one that usually does the laundry. Recently, we purchased a new washer/dryer set. A major shift from top load to a front load. I realized I had not thought this completely through when it occurred to me, once the front load starts, there’s no going back to add the few things I forgot to add.
Here’s some practical information for your consideration:
Top-Load Washers: Loading: Clothes are loaded from the top.
Washing Action: Use an agitator (a central post with paddles) or an impeller (a lower-profile cone) to move clothes and stir water.
Pros: Faster cycle times, easier to load and unload (especially for those with back problems), often more affordable.
Cons: Use more water and energy, may be less gentle on clothes.
Maintenance: Generally easier to maintain, less prone to mold and mildew.
Front-Load Washers: Loading: Clothes are loaded from the front.
Washing Action: Clothes are tumbled in a rotating drum, using less water and friction to clean.
Pros: More energy-efficient, use less water, gentler on clothes, can be stacked with a dryer.
Cons: Slower cycle times, may require more maintenance to prevent mold and mildew, can be more difficult to load and unload. Maintenance: Require more frequent cleaning to prevent mold and mildew buildup.
In the moment, I sat in front of the washer and watched the clothes being cleansed. The slow rise of the water. The soft sound of the water tumbling through the clothes. The suds mixing in and the process of using less friction by tumbling versus the agitation that comes with the top load.
May is Mental Health Awareness. Yesterday was spent in Philadelphia, the town of brotherly love, at the summit to kick off the National Conference for Mental Wellbeing. As we navigated the streets from the parking garage to the convention center, there were multiple streets blocked off by police cars, for reasons unknown to us. The question I ask myself… are you well? Am I being agitated by the things of this world or being gently tumbled by the grace of God.
The agitation of the top load, all the thoughts that wander through the brain can be much easier to load and harder to unload if not cleansed with daily reflection. But the transparency of front load, being open for all the world to see, can be equally troubling if I do not take the time clean the mold and mildew that sits on the heart.
So, as I complete my reading of 1 John, may I remember there will be times when I may sin but I am cleansed in the knowledge that whatever is born of God overcomes the world. “And there are three that bear witness on earth: the Spirit, the water, and the blood; and these three agree as one.”
SO the answer to my question, am I well? Yes, I am well from the top load of my mind, to the front load of my soul, to the bottom of my feet that walk this earth. As I wander in this world my mental wellbeing is in the peace and grace of the Lord, his cleansing word, and the Spirit
that guides me toward repentance and away from the storms.
I end with my daily reflection, keep yourself clean.
Always grateful,
Walking In Your Gifts 