Lifting Burdens Through Laundry
A little background before I delve into a recent experience....
Unknown to probably everyone but my Heavenly Father the last 6 years have been a real struggle. I have been weighed down by the endless demands of a special needs child, 4 other children who so desperately need my time, nurturing & attention and everything that goes into keeping a home functioning with everyone healthy. I have been weighed down by the responsibility of large church callings that take my time and attention away from my home and family.I have been weighed down with the never ending financial worries that growing children and a household require. And the list goes on. The burdens were "normal" but nonetheless real to me and somewhat suffocating. This suffocating feeling began to spread and I felt beaten down spiritually, emotionally, socially & physically. No amount of prayer, scriptures study, time in the temple or "me time" made a dent in my struggle.
A few months ago a friend and I were discussing a recent sacrament meeting talk and how we would answer a question posed by the speaker. I do not remember the question but I remember my answer..."Exhausted!!" I shared that with my friend whose 6 children are grown and she offered comforting words that she remembered feeling that way when she was raising her children and we went about our responsibilities the rest of church that day. As we were getting ready to head home after six hours of church from serving in our Stake Relief Society callings she said, "I want to ask you something...Can I do your laundry this week?"
She must have seen a look of confusion on my face because next came, "No, really I want to. I have Tuesday off of work & I would love to help you out!" and many other things to persuade me.
In my head I was saying NO, NO, NO I can do my own laundry, but my heart was saying, let her serve & be grateful!
I found myself saying, "Sure" and we made the arrangements. I was unprepared by the intense emotions I felt as I dropped off three kiddos worth of laundry & several weeks worth of ironing, at the start of a very busy day. I felt gratitude that someone would want to do such a mundane task as my laundry. I felt intense gratitude that someone cared about me, that someone would take time out of their busy life to help me, that they noticed me.
When I picked up my laundry neatly folded and pressed that afternoon I again felt a wave of intense emotions...I felt the love of my Savior. I felt the loving embrace of my Heavenly Father. I felt booed up and strengthened to face the weight of the demands of my current phase of life. My step was a little lighter, my outlook on the world a little brighter. I felt a stronger desire to do and be the person my Heavenly Father needs me to be. I felt a little kinder and had a heart full of compassion for others.
Who knew that an offer to do my laundry would lift the weight of the world off my shoulders, ease ALL my burdens & strengthen me physically, spiritually, socially & emotionally?
Unknown to probably everyone but my Heavenly Father the last 6 years have been a real struggle. I have been weighed down by the endless demands of a special needs child, 4 other children who so desperately need my time, nurturing & attention and everything that goes into keeping a home functioning with everyone healthy. I have been weighed down by the responsibility of large church callings that take my time and attention away from my home and family.I have been weighed down with the never ending financial worries that growing children and a household require. And the list goes on. The burdens were "normal" but nonetheless real to me and somewhat suffocating. This suffocating feeling began to spread and I felt beaten down spiritually, emotionally, socially & physically. No amount of prayer, scriptures study, time in the temple or "me time" made a dent in my struggle.
A few months ago a friend and I were discussing a recent sacrament meeting talk and how we would answer a question posed by the speaker. I do not remember the question but I remember my answer..."Exhausted!!" I shared that with my friend whose 6 children are grown and she offered comforting words that she remembered feeling that way when she was raising her children and we went about our responsibilities the rest of church that day. As we were getting ready to head home after six hours of church from serving in our Stake Relief Society callings she said, "I want to ask you something...Can I do your laundry this week?"
She must have seen a look of confusion on my face because next came, "No, really I want to. I have Tuesday off of work & I would love to help you out!" and many other things to persuade me.
In my head I was saying NO, NO, NO I can do my own laundry, but my heart was saying, let her serve & be grateful!
I found myself saying, "Sure" and we made the arrangements. I was unprepared by the intense emotions I felt as I dropped off three kiddos worth of laundry & several weeks worth of ironing, at the start of a very busy day. I felt gratitude that someone would want to do such a mundane task as my laundry. I felt intense gratitude that someone cared about me, that someone would take time out of their busy life to help me, that they noticed me.
When I picked up my laundry neatly folded and pressed that afternoon I again felt a wave of intense emotions...I felt the love of my Savior. I felt the loving embrace of my Heavenly Father. I felt booed up and strengthened to face the weight of the demands of my current phase of life. My step was a little lighter, my outlook on the world a little brighter. I felt a stronger desire to do and be the person my Heavenly Father needs me to be. I felt a little kinder and had a heart full of compassion for others.
Who knew that an offer to do my laundry would lift the weight of the world off my shoulders, ease ALL my burdens & strengthen me physically, spiritually, socially & emotionally?
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