Laundry on Christmas Eve—“What a way to spend the holiday!” you might be thinking. You know, gifts are all around us if you look closely.

I walked inside the old faithful laundromat, and as I scanned the room, saw it was practically empty. I noticed a little old lady folding her clothes and gave her a warm smile which she immediately returned. As I was putting my clothes into the washer, I saw a book sitting inches away, and the title immediately caught my eye. The Power of a Praying Woman by Stormie Omartian. I picked the book up, assuming someone had read it and left it there to share with others.—“I like this idea.” I thought to myself.

I sat down, made myself comfortable, and began to read. I noticed all the markings, note taking, and highlighted portions the owner of the book had made. Someone truly connected with this book, then made the decision to give it away. This is a form of ministry. Not all ministry looks the same; not all ministry involves standing at a pulpit and preaching.

As I turned the page, the little old lady made her way to the door. She looked at the book in my hand, then back up at me, smiled, and said, “Merry Christmas!” As the door closed behind her, I realized who the book belonged to.

A little while later, a young lady walked inside the laundromat. I couldn’t help but notice her briefly turning her attention to the book in my hands as if the title had caught her eye as well. That’s when the timer went off; my clothes were dry. I set the book down back in the same place I found it in, and began to fold my clothes. When I was done, I made my way to the door. That’s when the young lady said, “Ma’am, you forgot your book.” I smiled and said “It’s not mine. Merry Christmas!”