I am so in love with my clothesline. Really.
It is such a peaceful activity.
If the kids are with me, they like to "help" by handing me clothespins.
Or sometimes they just play nearby.
If I'm alone, it is so quiet. I can hear the birds singing.
I usually pray while I methodically hang.
I don't use energy running my dryer, so the earth is happy.
I save money on my energy bill, so my checkbook is happy.
I just love a two for one.
It may seem like an extra chore, but the more I incorporate Colossians 3:23 into my everyday activities, the more peaceful I become, and the more I find joy in taking care of my family.
I want to be a good steward of the earth; this beautiful creation of God's that He never intended for us to pollute. I want my children to see my actions to protect His creation, not just hear me teach them about it. And really, taking care of the earth is equivalent to taking care of eachother, because we all breathe the same air, drink water from the same source and eat food from the same soil.
I also want to be a good steward of our money.
We've been so blessed with a steady income in these shaky economic times.
I don't take one dollar for granted.
It may seem silly to save a dollar here and there, but to us, one dollar saved is one dollar that can go toward the grocery bill, a box of crayons, to a donation, to the savings account for Bug's future "extensive orthodontic work"...
I also want to be a good steward of our money.
We've been so blessed with a steady income in these shaky economic times.
I don't take one dollar for granted.
It may seem silly to save a dollar here and there, but to us, one dollar saved is one dollar that can go toward the grocery bill, a box of crayons, to a donation, to the savings account for Bug's future "extensive orthodontic work"...
Saving energy with a clothesline may seem inconsequential in the face of global pollution.
Saving a dollar on my energy bill may seem inconsequential in the face of a mortgage, taxes and insurance bills. But God delights in the "little" things. He delights in our efforts to 'work at something with all our hearts'.
If the thoughts ever creep in that no one notices or cares or appreciates the work I do, or if I begin to think the ways I care for the earth or our finances don't really make a difference, I just return again to meditate on Colossians 3:23-24:
Saving a dollar on my energy bill may seem inconsequential in the face of a mortgage, taxes and insurance bills. But God delights in the "little" things. He delights in our efforts to 'work at something with all our hearts'.
If the thoughts ever creep in that no one notices or cares or appreciates the work I do, or if I begin to think the ways I care for the earth or our finances don't really make a difference, I just return again to meditate on Colossians 3:23-24:
23Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, 24since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
Posts
15 comments:
I don't have a clothesline these days but I used to love drying clothes outdoors. I still put some blouses on hangers and hang them on the deck.
My mom is a big advocate of clotheslines because not only does she like to save energy, but the clothes end up smelling wonderfully fresh!
That's great that you concentrate on God's word for your daily work! I need to do that more and maybe then I won't mind cleaning up my son's bathroom...
We have 3 dogs so no clothes line... But when eventually they are gone, I am so there!
How true....thanks for the reminder. Beautiful post!
~ingrid
:) good thought! Sorta goes along with my last Thursday post... except for so much more peaceful and happy...
Lovely pics too!
If we had a spot for a clothesline, we would so have one! We love fresh sun-dried clothes:) I can almost smell it now.
That sounds so lovely!!!
We hope to have a clothesline too someday! :)
Oh how beautiful and true my dear friend. I LOVE my clothesline and would be plagued with guilt if I used my dryer in the summer time. For all you out their that don't have the space, you can buy retractable clothes lines and put them anywhere! Just a tip! Let's all harness the energy and power of the sun and wind!!! :)
I needed to read this, I needed to be reminded of that verse. Thank you so much. xxx
I used to use one and took it down because I hated the way my clothes felt so stiff. Have you discovered that or found a way to keep them soft while line drying?
I may just try this with some of the things that take much longer to dry like our comforters and sheets!
Thanks for the tip and make sure you've entered by biggest giveaway yet, it's the Cheerios prize pack that includes a $25.00 gift card for American Express.
Here is the link to my giveaway blog and make sure you click on the Cheerios box on the right hand side along with anything else you may want.
http://reviewsfromtheheart.blogspot.com
Love and Hugs ~ Kat
Beautiful philosophy. We grew up with a clothesline too, the bag of wooden pins brings up many memories.
I love the smell of sun-dried clothes! While were here in Canada, I am taking full advantage of being able to hang my wash out in the backyard. :)
Col 3:23 is one of my very favorite quotes - and one I try to instill in my boys. I love your clothes line. My husband loves clothes dried on the line - but, alas, we have too many clothes for that to work for us. Your post is so refreshing, bring a stillness, a peace when reading. Beautiful!
Hanging clothes on the clothesline is very meditative and I enjoy it, too. There's nothing like taking that line-dried laundry and burying your nose in it and inhaling until your lungs are full. That's what heaven smells like to me.
Of course you have a clothesline. I don't know anyone who has one but you would! You green mama, you.
Post a Comment