Loads of Laundry (and Gratitude)

Allison Auth recounts how she turned a bothersome household chore into an act of praise. 

The only things in life that are certain are death and taxes. But there’s one other thing: laundry. “Laundry and death and taxes, in no certain order,” I would grumble as I threw another load in. As our family grew, so did our piles of laundry. The soiled clothes kept on coming while the clean baskets begged to be put away. 

Then I heard the anecdote of a village in which all the women experienced a sudden outbreak of depression and at first no one could figure out why.  In the end, the problem was that each house had installed washing machines. Now the women no longer went down to the river to wash their clothes together, turning a communal outing into a lonely chore. Whether it’s a true story or not, I envied the shared laundry washing experience, so maybe I was just lonely, or tired, or both. Definitely both. 

The most important thing 

Then one day I said to myself as I switched loads, “It just takes up time I could spend on other things.” 

I spent months pondering what “other things” I intended? Sure, there are errands and cleaning and social outings and schooling, but when I do laundry, I am spending time on my family. And isn’t that the most important thing—serving my family out of love for God? I had gotten my priorities out of order, and I lacked gratitude for what the washing represented. Switching loads and folding laundry mean I have a house with electricity, clothes to wash, and kids who need clean clothes.  

I felt the Holy Spirit inviting me to change my attitude by offering the laundry as an act of praise to God and thanking him for the gift of my family. Yes, there are other activities and chores that need my attention. But I needed to be reminded of the privilege and gift of serving my family. 

Habit stacking 

Truly, it is not hard to throw clothes in the wash. It is often harder to remember to switch loads! And this is where habit stacking helped me change my attitude. With habit stacking, you take something you already do and pair it with a new habit you want to develop. I wanted — needed — to develop an attitude of gratitude. So I began to invite the Trinity to keep me company in the laundry room. Laundry = gratitude.  

“Come, Holy Spirit, into this chore with me. Thank you for this new day. Praise you, Father, for your goodness to me that I get to take care of my family. Glory to you Lord Jesus Christ, for your presence and power and grace to help me.”  

From praise I moved into to intercession for friends and family. And then the task was done and I could feel the difference in my soul. 

Still, it's not that I wake up excited to do the laundry these days. I don’t have to love the job to lean into it. But the surprising effect of my prayer is that I don’t mind doing laundry so much anymore. My priorities have been re-ordered as I realize the gift it is to love and serve my family.   

Attitude over practical 

One last note: A few months ago, I was with a group of seven women. We each shared our laundry routine, and every single one had a different approach to it. Kid involvement varied as well as frequency. But everyone felt they came up with a rhythm that works for them. There is no one right way to do the wash! My kids are involved to a degree, and we have a routine that works for us. But it’s still a chore. And the attitude gets to the heart of the matter more than the practical details.  

As I finished writing this article, my husband came in to inform me that our washing machine just broke. Oh well, thank you Lord that we can get a new one and I don’t have to go down to the creek to do my laundry in the middle of January.  

Now it’s your turn: What chore can you pair with gratitude today? 

Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) 

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Copyright 2025 Allison Auth
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