Did You Unplug It?

Today, while washing my second load of laundry, at the last rinse and spin cycle, my washing machine started making the most horrible noise (Imagine a dying elk.). I could tell that it was no longer spinning so I opened the door and rearranged the load. (Luckily the water level was down since it is a front loading machine.) After starting the machine and the noise continued, I tried moving the load again and spinning the drum. The noise persisted. So I did my best Little House on the Prairie imitation and took the clothes to the sink to wring out as much water as possible. When all of the clothes were in the dryer I began the task of scooping out a few gallons of water from the bottom of the drum. Once this task was complete, I called the repair shop to see if someone could come to my rescue. I told her what I needed and was given an appointment in a week and a half. After explaining the noise and how it had stopped spinning she asked, “Did you try unplugging it and plugging it back in?” Well, I thought that was a silly thing to ask. This is a washing machine not a computer. Plus, my washing machine is probably about 15 years old, but I love it.

After giving my information and hanging up I went back to the laundry room. I thought. “What’s the harm in trying to unplug it and plug it back in? It’s not going to cost me anything and who knows it just might work.” So I unplugged it, plugged it back in, and hit the spin cycle. What happened next? Exactly what you would think. The rest of the water that I couldn’t scoop out began getting draining while my washing machine started spinning again. I waited a few minutes to make sure it wouldn’t start screeching and then put my clothes back in to spin to get out any extra water. I’m not going to trust my machine for a while and I will make sure I’m home when it’s running. I’m also not going to call and cancel my repair appointment just yet.

I thought about this episode the rest of the night and I realized there are so many things in my home that I have had to unplug to reset. They get locked up, won’t respond to commands, or don’t function as they should. I even had to restart my phone today because an app would not work correctly.

If these electronic devices sometimes need to unplug and reset, how much more do we humans need that same process in our lives?

In this age of too much information and screen time, we become stressed and over stimulated on a daily basis. Added to the technology overload is the demand of day to day living. Work, family, and keeping up a home drain our physical and emotional energy. When extra stressors are added, like health issues or change in finances, it becomes overwhelming.

Just like my washing machine, when life keeps spinning, faster and faster, pretty soon something is going to break. It may be our patience, our mental stability, or our physical health. At this point we are forced to take a step back and heal what has broken. Our body needs a repairman.

If you use any kind of machinery, you know that maintenance is a must. Routine checks can extend its life and keep it running smoothly.

Our bodies need that same kind of maintenance. We need to unplug and reset sometimes. It can be as simple as turning off the news, listening to music, or reading a book. Maybe a game night with your children will help everyone. If you are able, take some “you” time. Get a pedicure, go shopping, or have a girls’ night. Whatever your time and budget will allow, find a way to separate from the stress for a while.

After my husband died, I spent many nights soaking in the tub. The candles and warm water helped calm my mind and allowed me a place to release my emotions. I let the tears flow and mix with the bath salts. I let go of all that I had been holding onto in public.

I also went walking as a way to “get away”. I have a “Maddy” playlist on my Ipod that I listened to and let my thoughts flow, and sometimes the tears came with them. Spending time outside, doing what we used to do together, helped calm my spirit.

Probably the most beneficial activity for me was reading my Bible and praying. I seemed to find scripture that, even though I had read it many times before, spoke to me in my current situation. Verses jumped out of the page, almost screaming at me, to make me take a closer look and really think about them. I poured my heart out in prayer, thanking God for the years with Maddy and for helping to keep me together. Sometimes I simply said, "Help!". I found that I needed the greatest "repairman" there is!

Wherever is your "safe space" or whatever is your "me time" activity, make time to unplug and reset. If you keep spinning and never give yourself a break, pretty soon you will need a repair or you will fall apart.

Even Jesus took time alone. Mark 1:35 says, "Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed."

**** I started this writing and then, like most times, finished it days later. The washer made the noise again. The repairman didn't show on time the first outing, so I had to reschedule. Tried using the washer anyway and had water coming out the bottom. When the guy showed he informed me that the only way to get new bearings I needed for my model was to get a new drum (at $750 + labor). I am now doing my washing at my daughter's house and looking for a new washer and dryer (because you have to get both!).

**** New washer and dryer have found their new home!