Love Keeps No Record of Wrongs (or laundry)

Occasionally, I run tallies in my mind.  I estimate how many meals I've prepared, how many dishes I've washed, and how many times I've vacuumed the floor. 

I've matched my husband's socks and stacked his washed and folded shirts on top of his dresser in neat piles as a testament to my work -- a small mountain of clean clothes that announce look what I've done for you.

We spend an awful lot of time quietly serving our families, don't we?


As I sorted clothes the other day, I was reminded of 1 Corinthians 13:5 which says that love keeps no records of wrongs.

It struck me: Love keeps no records of laundry, either.

This isn't a contest.  This is love and service in action.  I've started talking to God about my girls as I hang their shirts and fold their pajamas.  I pray for my husband as I check his pockets and turn his shorts right-side out.  Lord knows that he's helped to right me when I've been inside-out over the years.

Do I love doing laundry?  No.  (Does anyone?)  I love the people who wear the laundry.  Those full baskets have become a tangible reminder -- not of the work that my family causes me, but of the privilege of having them in my life.

It's love.  No records of wrong.  No records of laundry.

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18 comments

  1. Jaime FooseJuly 25, 2012

    Robin,
    I am not a bible versy kind of person, but this post today really resonated with me.  Love keeps no record of wrongs.  I have a few people in my life right now that would benefit from this message, I am definitely going to pass it on.  Thanks for a great post today!!

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  2. I love how you always seem to put a beautiful, grace-filled perspective on the most mundane aspects of life and motherhood!!!  I definitely need to try looking at laundry, dishes, etc. through a lens of blessings rather than a lens of obligation and tallies!

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  3. Alecia N RisnerJuly 25, 2012

    So true and inspiring!

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  4. Michelle ThuldaninJuly 25, 2012

    Confession : I like doing laundry. Probably because I am only working on my second child and my son is young. ^---^ This is the simplistic perfect recipe for a successful marriage imo. I notice that when both my husband and I are just helping one another without keeping track and no, "well, I did this, can you do that" we get along MUCH BETTER.

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  5. That's why about a year ago I felt convicted to not leave the clothes on my hubby's dresser, but to hang them up and put them away for him!  No neat piles, no "accomplishment"  :)

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  6. TheMomChefJuly 25, 2012

    I can park myself in the guilty line for this one. And, sad to say, if I'm not keeping record, there's a good chance I'm murmuring. Thank you for the gentle God-inspired reminder.

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  7. Jaime, thank you so much!  You know, your continual encouragement is such a boost to me.  It really does mean a lot, so thank you!
    Glad that you liked the post!

    - Robin


    Robin Kramer
    Pink Dryer Lint

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  8. I have to constantly remind myself not to keep score because I am horrible score keeper.  I keep track of every single little thing I do, but often forget the many things my husband does because I don't always see them.

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  9. Holly FordJuly 26, 2012

    What a great reminder. I'm constantly catching myself doing stuff like that! Thank you :)

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  10. Such a beautiful post.  Thank you for sharing this much needed reminder!

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  11. Aww, what a beautiful and thoughtful post! Finding these small moments to remember to pray are so valuable...

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  12. You're so welcome.  Ironically, I was rather irritated by laundry the day after I wrote this post.  (Of course.) 

    We ALL have times when we murmur.  With God's grace, I'm training myself to do better.

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  13. My confession is that I like to organize closets, so I'm cool with you liking to do laundry.  :)

    You and your husband sound like a terrific team.

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  14. And YOU always seem to give the brightest encouragement, Lisa.  Thanks!

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  15. Robin - Your posts, for me, are like daily devotionals! As always, thank you for being so encouraging, inspiring and for reminding us of all the little things!

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  16. I am new to your blog, but, I have to say that I just love this post -- it SO resonates for me. We have three active children -- 9, 7 & 7. The laundry seems endless, but, I like being able to care for my family by providing them with lovingly washed, folded and/or hung clothing. 

    A funny: I spent last week at a day camp with our son and two of his friends. It was 100+ degrees several days and by the time I got home, I really didn't feel like doing much...not laundry, not meals, etc. -- my kids LOVED "Breakfast for Dinner" -- eggs and cheesy bagels and other simple, fast, easy foods. So, too, did my husband. In fact, no one seemed to mind the "minimal work" approach I was taking...until my husband ran out of clean undershirts on Friday. He said, "WOW -- I KNOW you had a hard week...I actually ran out of clean undershirts!" Opps! 

    Seriously, though -- sometimes the hard work we put into things is more for ourselves...and goes unnoticed until it is not done...and that's OK as long as we feel good about our efforts.  Keep up the good laundry efforts -- I'm back on track and will be thinking of your beautiful post as I fold the last load of laundry tonight!

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