Stinky socks, soggy towels... and service

A few months ago, my husband received a huge perk at work: the opportunity to use the gym in the office building. Since he enjoys working out, I was very happy for him that he could get some daily exercise and stress relief during his work day. He works out on his lunch hour, takes a shower, and returns to work.

He was working from noon-9pm. Around 11:30am, before he left for work, he would pick up his gym bag from where he had dropped it the night before when he got home, dump out his soggy, stinky towel, socks, shorts, and t-shirt, then stuff new clothes and towel in, and go.

And I was left with this pile. Each day. Yuck.

And, honestly, my attitude was pretty yucky as well.

But God reminded me of how I am seeking to honor and serve my husband.

So often, we wives can come up with our own ideas of what that service should look like. But is it really what would best bless our husbands? Sometimes I am guilty of doing things for my husband that I would like done for me... and then wondering why he isn't more appreciative. God showed me that here was my opportunity. And it wasn't about me being appreciated. It was all about serving Gil with love and selflessness, meeting his needs.

My attitude did a quick turn around.

And, God gifted me with a plan.

First, I gathered up some spare towels and several sets of workout clothes for Gil. I put them into bundles, ready for the week. I had a wire rack with hooks sitting around in the garage that I attached to the laundry room wall. Before bed, I unpack his gym bag, hanging the soggy items on the hooks to dry. Each morning, I pack a fresh, new bundle of gym gear in his bag, ready for him to grab as he leaves for work. As I do laundry, I replenish my basket of workout wear.

Most importantly, I do this in love... without attitude, without feeling put-upon... feeling privileged that I can serve my husband in this small way.

At first, Gil was a little puzzled. He said I didn't have to do that for him. He told me he appreciates it. He certainly doesn't expect it.

I have a basket of love sitting in the laundry room, ready.

And I am reminded of how my Lord takes me and my stinky, soggy mess and He restores me. Now, that is love.

I am linking up with Emily's Tuesdays Unwrapped... check out her blog for more celebrations of ordinary moments.