Yesterday, when I was writing a story about drying clothes out in the sun, I kept on having the image of my grandpa-in-law. I had visited my husband’s family since 1998, so I had opportunities to spend time with my husband’s grandparents as well.
Every time when I offered to wash the dishes, my grandpa-in-law gently turned down my offer. He said it was his favorite thing to do. The time in washing dishes was his meditation time. He could fully relax. While he was washing the dishes, he would put a gentle smile on his face.
He would take his time on washing the dishes. He would first store the hot water in the sink and wash the dishes in the sink. Then, he would use the gentle flow of water to rinse each dish to complete the washing. All his motions were slow and gentle. I would feel calm by just listening the gentle water flow sound when grandpa-in-law was washing the dishes.
When I visited another Navajo family, the Navajo elder woman told me that she also loved washing dishes. She said washing dishes is her way of showing appreciation. Appreciation for dishes to hold the food, appreciation to the food, and appreciation to the family to share the food together. She told me it is important to keep on showing our appreciation to everything, and never take anything for granted.
I like the traditional scenery. After having the big meal with family, everybody gets involved in cleaning. By bringing the dishes into the sink, washing the dishes, wiping off the table, and putting the leftover food in the refrigerator. While doing these choirs, everybody is still having a fun conversation.
In modern life, we tend to prefer a more convenient and faster way in doing our choirs. But let’s not forget that sometimes it is worth to take time in doing it.
♬ Any feedback? (^^♪
three wisdom 