Laundry, Surprise Notes, and Jesus

There are six people in our family. That means there is always laundry.

Everyone in our house does their own laundry—wash, dry, fold, and put away. Depending on who you ask, I'm either a very mean mom or deeply committed to teaching responsibility.

We have these rolling laundry baskets that travel throughout our house like tiny vehicles on a mission. On any given weekend, you'll find baskets full of dirty clothes heading toward the laundry room and baskets full of clean clothes heading back to bedrooms.

There is just one problem. Nobody likes moving someone else's laundry. If a load is sitting in the washer, everyone suddenly becomes an expert at waiting. There will be loud announcements from across the house:

"Whose laundry is in the washer?"

"Can someone move their clothes?"

"Seriously! I need the dryer!"

Apparently, touching another person's laundry is a task of great personal sacrifice.

A few weeks ago, I discovered a new development in our family's laundry saga. Someone had actually moved a pile of laundry. Progress! 🎉

Or so I thought.

Sitting on top of a laundry basket was a handwritten note that read: DIRTY NOT CLEAN.

That's it.The laundry wasn't moved into the washer. It wasn't started. It wasn't helped along. Someone simply took the time to write a note informing the next person that the laundry was still dirty.

I laughed out loud.😂 Because honestly, writing the note probably took more effort than simply starting the load.

I got to thinking how often I do the same thing spiritually.

It's easy to identify what needs to happen. It's easy to talk about what should be done. It's easy to point out the problem.

But following Jesus isn't primarily about noticing. It's about doing. James writes:

"Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says." (James 1:22)

Sometimes I treat my faith like that laundry note. I know the right thing. I can explain the right thing. I can even tell other people the right thing.

But Jesus isn't looking for more notes. He's looking for action.

The beautiful thing about faith is that growth usually happens through small acts of obedience. A prayer prayed. A kindness offered. A Scripture opened. A forgiveness extended. A conversation started.

The washer doesn't start because someone writes a note. It starts when someone pushes the button. And faith grows the same way.

This Week’s Faith Habit

Do one thing you've been meaning to do.

Not talk about. Not plan for. Not make a list about.

Do it.

Send the encouraging text.Make the apology. Read the chapter. Serve the neighbor. Pray with your child.

Take the first step you've been postponing. Less notes. More obedience. One small action can move your faith forward this week.