We tend to forget how extraordinary it can be to do ordinary tasks. Ordinary tasks such as taking out the trash, cleaning up the house, and even washing the dishes.
At first glance, washing dishes seems so mundane, a low-skilled task, that anyone can do it. Yet, tell me who in your family, group of friends, and community, would voluntarily raise their hand every time to wash the dishes after each meal? I would say it’s an outlier. Many people would avoid washing the dishes. At most, people would put the dishes in the sink and then awkwardly and quietly walk away. Some may even offer to wash them as a courtesy but don’t really intend to or end up doing it.
Most people would rather buy expensive high-tech dishwashers, hire a domestic worker, go out to a restaurant, make their spouse do it, make their family member wash them, create a responsibility chart, or take turns. I don’t know anyone who would passionately go straight to the sink after dinner to wash the dishes willingly and joyfully. Do you?
Someone has to wash the dishes. My wife and I take turns. Some days, I find it therapeutic and other times I find it very dreadful. However, from washing dishes over and over again, I've come to consider it an art. There is an artistic and creative element to it like determining how much detergent you use, the kind of detergent you use, how you use the sponge, how you place the dishes to dry quicker, how much strength you need to scrub, and the amount of water you use. We overlook these details and the amount of energy it takes to follow through with washing dishes clean consistently and how necessary it is for meals.
If washing dishes is necessary, why do we still not want to wash them? Well, washing dishes isn't glamorous. It isn't going to help you gain a large following, earn lots of money, or feel like it makes a meaningful change to the world.
Here’s the hidden truth: Washing dishes is one of the most humbling experiences life has to offer. When you wash the dishes, it's an act of service. You are serving people, showing you care about them, and putting them first. You are being humble, altruistic, and selfless. When you have this servant attitude, you have a humble heart, and as a result, you grow because you are willing to learn. If you are willing to learn, you become better in the sense of being able to contribute more positive changes back to the world.
The day when more people in the world are willing to wash dishes, perhaps then the world would be a better place.
So as Mahama Gandhi once said, if you want to “BE THE CHANGE you want to see in the world”, then I say you can start with the EXTRAordinary task of washing the dishes.
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