Last week I shared with you my expertise in loading the dishwasher (https://jryansmallwood.com/2017/01/25/youre-loading-the-dishwasher-wrong). It was met with the applause of lots of men out there who share a similar plight. Considering that, this week I thought I would share with you my talent for doing laundry.

In our nearly 24 years of marriage, Amy has almost always done our laundry. I absolutely help and even do it from time to time but when it comes to the division of labor in our house, Amy has always taken the lead with keeping us in clean clothes. One evening several years ago, we were having a very innocent discussion and the topic of laundry came up. In that conversation, I simply stated that I would do the laundry differently than Amy does. I believe I said that I would do it more efficiently. (I know, next week’s blog is on ten things you should never say to your wife). Amy didn’t move things from the washer to the dryer and from the dryer to the closet as quickly as I preferred. So often, at my doing, her clothes ended up on the floor of her closet. I simply stated her method wasn’t as efficient as mine. And that was the day she went on strike. Amy continued to do everyone’s laundry except for mine. I was on my own. If I wanted clean underwear, I better make sure they get that way. And I did – my way. Very efficiently I might add.

Let’s just say my views on doing the laundry were religious. The word “religion” literally means “a particular system” and we usually relate that to faith and worship. But we can be religious about anything from the way we brush our teeth to the way we eat a hamburger and to the way we load the dishwasher or do laundry. The danger is when we begin to think our system is the only right one. Let’s admit it. There are lots of different ways to do laundry. And they can all be valid ways. They all get the clothes clean!

The point is this – instead of claiming our answers for the world’s problems are the only right ones, let us take note of those who see it differently than we do. Rather than attacking those on social media who express an opposing view, let us have open and meaningful conversations about our differences. Instead of propagating slander and using hurtful words, let us find common ground and use that to move forward for the common good.

The strike has since come to an end. Amy still takes the lead with doing most of our laundry – even mine – but we work together to get it done. May we be a people who work together to make the world a better place.