In our house, I am the dishwasher. I love the look I get from other women when they find out that I have two kids and no machine to do this duty for me. Washing dishes is my most hated chore—always has been actually. It’s time-consuming and gross, and I always, always get wet. And it’s a never-ending task! There are days I don’t think I can bear to wash another dish.

When my husband had the house to himself for four days, he had used two bowls, a plate and a couple spoons and knives. No problem. But after one day of me and the kids, there are four-plus bowls, six or more plates, at least two glasses (I try to drink water all day but keep misplacing the glass), plus a kid cup or two, and nearly a dozen eating utensils. And that’s before I make dinner! Now, I shouldn’t complain. I know I am not the only one in the world who doesn’t have a dishwasher. They are a modern convenience. But I will be so extremely thankful when I can say (one part of) my job has been replaced by technology.

Until then, here are a few tips for making the best of it. One, wash dishes right after dinner. The best way to start the day is not with Folgers (I don’t drink coffee), but walking into a clean, uncluttered kitchen! I have a difficult time with this one, however, because I want to relax. I’ve been working all day, after all. Sometimes this is family time, too. But, by doing the dishes I can get a break from the kids while my husband plays with them. This doesn’t always work since Avery likes to help—thus guaranteeing I get even wetter than usual.

Which brings me to my second tip: have the kids join you. I know kids aren’t always the most helpful when it comes to chores, but it is a great bonding time and, I hope, it will help them learn to understand that contributing to the household is part of being a family. Now that Avery is 3 1/2, she actually can be helpful. Her jobs include putting away the silverware (sans sharp knives of course) and rinsing the soap bubbles off dishes I’ve washed.

The third tip is, if you find yourself washing dishes, by yourself, in the peace and quiet of the kitchen while your kids are occupied somewhere else, use that time to pray and meditate. I know we moms are busy, and sometimes we think we are too busy to spend time with God. In her book, “The Busy Mom’s Guide to Prayer,” Lisa Welchel (yes, Blair from Facts of Life) offers this and many more tips to continuously connecting with our Father, rather than packaging it up into one or two prayer sessions at the beginning or end of a day. Use everyday tasks and objects as inspiration. While doing the dishes, for example, pray Psalm 51:2: “Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.” You can even hang an index card with the  verse (or other verses you want to instill in your heart) above the sink as a reminder to focus on God during this “down time.” I think I’ll go do that right now.

“Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.” Psalm 51:2

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