I had an epiphany doing what is ordinary, even mundane, tonight. We had Easter Dinner 2.0, fine china and all::Ham, green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole and strawberry poppy seed salad. When conversation landed and plates were scraped clean, it was time to do dishes. They offered, but for some reason I declined the help. Instead, I started with the glasses and a sink full of almost scalding water capped with Ann’s bubbles, and it came to me. Why not make an event out of doing the dishes? So I blasted Mozart, and lit a candle, and enjoyed the method of it all; the music and it’s repetition, the order of washing: glasses, then plates, then serving dishes, then pans, and finally silverware after changing the water once. And then, I realize that what is usually a chore had become an event worthy of printed invitations and gowns. And He accepted my invitation: the invitation to my Ball of the Dish Washing. The ball where I served my family with the ordinary, only the idea He stuck in my head made it all extraordinary. So we danced in the kitchen, He and I.
Sharing with my friend Jen today: 
and dear Shanda:
and hurray! We’re back with Emily!
journeytoepiphany.wordpress.com 
What a fabulous idea! We do a lot of dishes over here.
Then you have an excellent opportunity before you!
we are neighbors today:)….love this…making the ordinary a sanctuary.
Yes! A sanctuary of doing dishes. I love it!
A divine romance… The best kind…
Have you ever read that book? I’ve heard that its amazing!
Love how the change in our attitude or just a little music can change our whole perspective! Maybe I should try this with the stack of dishes staring me down right now!
You should! Let me know how it goes!
Doing dishes is always a bonding experience. Something about all that hot running water and suds. A good reason to ditch the dishwasher.
I never knew how therapeudic it could be.
Celebrating the ordinary. Just love this post! I found doing dishes with my kids was one of the times we talked the most. Using their hands, open their mouths I guess. Sounds like using your hands open your heart to me.
Oh, how lovely. “using your hands open your heart…”
Love how He meets us where we’re at! My dishwasher broke months ago…I have yet to replace it as I have grown to enjoy meeting Him at the kitchen sink! So thrilled you found delight in it, too!
All for Him,
Nikki
Yay! We’re sink sisters!
Good for you, I’m afterwards you were left much inspiration
I was, actually, I had to hurry to write this post because I was so inspired.
Great idea.
🙂
I love this: it is all in the attitude, finding joy and contentment in the ordinary!
Yes, I was very content at my task. Contentment is good.
What a lovely idea. Music adds so much to our lives.
I know that this sounds weird, but I don’t typically like music…I like quiet. When I choose to use music, you know that it’s an event!
Every time I read you , I feel so much happy about my own life and blessed too ! 🙂
…this is one of my favorite comments ever…thank you.
well, i actually love doing dishes most days (i know, call me weird). but after reading this, it will have a whole new significance for me 🙂 now i just need to find a candle to perch on the windowsill above the sink. beautiful ideas!
steph
My candle is white cotton scented…appropriate for cleaning, don’t you think?
smiles…doing the dishes, like doing laundry for me is a mediation…an event that i enjoy…it was not always that way…the book practicing the presence changed my perspective on things like that….nice….
I remember reading somewhere how much you love to do laundry…I love Brother Lawrence! I’m glad to have found a fellow Christian history lover!
Oh, I think I’ll try this too. What a lovely idea.
I would love to hear how your experiment goes!
Oh my goodness, I just love this. I think I will try it next time I do the dishes alone.
He will meet you there for sure!
Oh, how I love this idea! I (thankfully) have a dishwasher, but I could definitely have this approach with folding laundry, sweeping floors, ….
Absolutely! Let me know how it goes!
I loved this!!! 🙂
(:-D)
The One who washed your soul, invited to your “Ball of the Dish Washing.” Sounds appropriate and so divine! That’s what we all should do–make the mundane, sacred by remembering He is present in it all! 🙂
What a lovely response. thank you…
the divine meeting in human places. this speaks to my heart. thank you. xox
Yes, dirty dish water is about as human as you can get!
I have a stack of dishes I am avoiding, perhaps a little change in perspective with undo that. Love your attitude.
My daughter offered to the do the dishes the next day, and I told her “No way!” I didn’t want to miss out on the fun.
oh kd. i love that you danced while doing dishes. this is carpe diem. this is living. love you.
Love you too! It’s so good to have you back!
What fun…dishes with God, Mozart and candlelight…love it 🙂
Yes, it was quite an event, I almost felt under dressed.
Reblogged this on Journey Towards Epiphany and commented:
I pulled out an old post today. Find a place to dance with Him today.