Today my boys and I ventured out to a laundromat. During my single teaching days I frequented them, but now that I am blessed to have my own washer and dryer, it was only the icky bulky sleeping bag that drove me there. Caleb threw up on it about a year ago. Why rush?
So like I said, we finally made it to the laundromat to cleanse our back-up bed. And, having never been to one before, my boys were fascinated. All sorts of machines twirling, swirling, and rumbling. Some customers were staring into space (maybe hypnotized by their own clothing), others were playing games, watching TV, or loading machines. I was aghast that one load cost $5.00 (of course it was the monster machine able to chew 50 lbs. at once). After putting my $5 bill into the coin converter, and hearing a clang comparable to a jackpot in Vegas, we stuffed the giant bag and inserted the battalion of quarters. The machine kindly informed us it would be finished in twenty-five minutes. Ill prepared and hungry, we wandered next door to KFC.
I hadn’t been to a KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken) for years. Usually the only time I taste their delicious chicken is at church potlucks, when people are kind enough to swing by the fast-food joint on the way to the park to pick up an easy dish to share.
As soon as we walked in the door I was pelted by the wondrous smell of fried chicken combined with the not-so-lovely grease fog. The entrance was so dirty, I felt I should ask to see their cleanliness certification report. But, I didn’t ask, because a long line was gathering behind me. I stumbled through an order and paid the lady. Once we got our food tray, we were relieved to find the eating area much cleaner, and settled into our meal.
Josh said, “Mommy, this is a treat!” And Caleb oohed and ahhed at the biscuit like it was manna. On the wall were pictures of our town during a flood four years ago. A history buff, I’m always impressed by such relics of hometown memorabilia. We relished each bite, said “Have a good day” to a sweet older lady next to us, and made our way back to Happy Suds. I was impressed that we arrived just three minutes before our job was to be done. We carried the damp, clean sleeping bag to the van, laying it out to dry in the sun as soon as we got home.
My boys and I had a great time at the laundromat and KFC. I am so thankful for these moments of working together, discovery, and making memories.
God enjoys spending moments with us, too. He loves taking care of us, showing us new things, taking us to new places, teaching us how to do things we’ve never done before, treating us to “fried chicken,” and providing a means to clean our worldly goods. Thank You, Abba, for showing me Your love in so many unique ways! Every day with You is an adventure. 🙂
Women on God's Mission 