What I Have Learned From My Washboard Sink

Yes, I have a washboard sink. And, yes, I use it. You see, several months ago we made the decision to sell our washer and dryer. As irrational as it seems, we had our reasons, and my dear husband left the decision to me. I had the washer and dryer before we were married, so he felt that a decision that huge should be mine. I agree and I haven't regretted the sale for one minute.

Why in the world would someone decide to sell a modern convenience? For starters, we thought we'd be in another country by now with a new washer and dryer. Silly us! I guess we jumped the gun a bit in our plans, but we see God moving in an exciting way and wouldn't want to miss out on the invitation He has given us. So, we continue to live in the same house only with a few items less.

I have to admit that washing our clothes by hand has taught me more than I ever imagined it could. While I don't advocate going and selling your major appliances--especially if you have children--I can honestly say that I have found that often what I think I need isn't really what I need. In fact, many of my American friends mourned the loss of my machine much harder than I did. I simply said, "Goodbye! To the washboard!" And there I have remained! Even when my husband has said, "Why don't we think about re-acquiring a washing machine?" I have replied, "What's the rush? I have never complained to you about it. Why don't we just wait awhile longer?" Odd, don't you think? It sure seems so, but God has used what seems like an inane situation to teach me many things. Why would I want to make a trade on that?

So, what have I learned from my washboard sink?

Our socks really retain their whiteness! I actually enjoy watching the soap foam up and seeing the dirt being squeezed out of the material as I scrub our socks back and forth. The result? White, almost like new, socks.

I don't miss the time I "saved" with my washer and dryer. You see, when I go up to the roof to wash clothes, I spend time chatting with God and singing hymns and choruses while I wash. I remember memorizing 1 Corinthians 10:31 (written above). Even washing clothes gives me a chance to glorify God. Isn't that neat?

Many Mexican women--even those who have jobs--still wash that way. I have found that I have an almost instant link to Mexican women when they find out I wash my clothes in the sink. You see, most people just assume that Americans have the best of everything. When I can sit with Mexican women and talk about which soap gets stains out the best, or which of the new "no-need-to-rinse" fabric softeners really works I get more insight into their daily lives. They also see me as someone who understands them and often open up more in other areas. What a blessing!

God used the sale as a blessing for both the buyers and for us. We paid two months of rent, and the buyers wash their clothes in a washing machine. :)

Oh, and I rarely have dirty clothes piled up in my laundry basket. See, there's the trade off. Since I wash by hand, I have found that rising early and washing a few items each day makes life much more simple than waiting until we can't find a clean thread to throw everything in the machine.

Are washing machines evil? No, of course not! I imagine that one day I'll have one again--and I won't complain! For now, however, if you happen to come to my house during my washing time you will find me with a smile on my face, content that the Lord provides everything I need. I'll be a little wet and I'll smell like Downy...but I'll be happy.