When the Washing Machine Dies and the Soul Groans
Jimmie Aaron Kepler

Well now… this verse hit home today:

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”— Matthew 11:28 KJV

It wasn’t some mountain-moving moment or crisis of biblical proportions. It was just a busted washing machine.

Yep. Yesterday, right in the middle of an otherwise ordinary day, the ol’ washer up and gave up the ghost. Just quit. Stopped spinning, left the tub full of water, and soaked the laundry like it had all just stepped out of a Texas thunderstorm.

And where was I?
Sitting in the AMC IMAX Theater.

Popcorn in my lap, lights going down, the last preview fading into black. The latest Mission Impossible movie was just beginning—Tom Cruise about to go do something wild to save the world.

Then my iWatch buzzed.

I glanced down. A text from my son—the one who lives with me.
A short message: “Washer quit. Full of water. What should I do?”

I stared at the screen like that washing machine had just insulted my mama.

I’ll admit, my first thought wasn’t exactly holy. It was more along the lines of, “Why me, Lord?” I didn’t want to deal with it. Didn’t want to shop. Didn’t want to spend. Just wanted stuff to work like it ought to.

So I stepped out into the hallway, thumbed out a quick reply, told him where I was, and promised to call after the movie—after Ethan Hunt saved the day.

Back when my late wife Miss Benita was still with me, she’d be the one to tell me something had quit working. I’d just shake my head and say, “Well, guess we’re buying a new one.” Then I’d add, “That’s why we save for emergencies.”

I still remember the first time it happened. She blinked through tears and said, honest as ever, “I thought washers lasted forever.”

Bless her. I wish they did.

Truth is, now it’s just me handling these curveballs. And some days? That weight feels heavier than it should. I don’t like dealing with this kind of stuff. Never have. Just thinking about it wears me out.

But then I come back to that verse.

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

Not advice.
Not a checklist.
Not one more thing to do.
Just… rest.

We all carry something.

Might be a busted washer. Might be a busted heart.
Could be a pile of bills. A whole heap of regrets.
Or maybe it’s just plain old weariness from trying to hold it all together.

But Jesus? He sees it. He knows.
And He doesn’t ask us to tough it out or fix it on our own.
He just says… Come.

So if you’re dragging today—worn-out in body, soul, or spirit—hear this from someone standing in line at the appliance store with a cart full of worry:
You ain’t alone.
And you don’t have to carry it all by yourself.

One Last Thing…

Like me, you’re probably dealing with something today. Something heavy. Something frustrating. Something that steals your peace and wears down your bones.

If you feel up to sharing, leave a note in the comments below. Doesn’t have to be long. Just enough to let me know what’s weighing you down.

And I promise—I’ll pray for you. You and whatever’s making you weary.

Because we’re in this together, friend. And His rest? It’s big enough for all of us.

Grace and peace,
Jimmie

Did you enjoy this article? You can find more of Jimmie Aaron Kepler’s books at Jimmie’s books available in paperback, ebook, audio, and large print