Today, I am missing one of my favorite Sundays of the year. It is the Sunday, every Lenten season when my dear "sister" Julie and I return to leading Children's worship to teach the children about foot-washing. Julie and I did Children's lessons together... 48 Sundays a year... for about 9 years. We learned so much while teaching them. When the time came to pass the torch, we asked if we could continue teaching the foot-washing lesson on Palm Sunday. We were grateful for all who supported our request to return for one Sunday a year.
We always teach the lesson dressed as sisters, Mary & Martha. We take them on a trip back through time. We invite them into our "home" and always speak of our brother, Lazarus. We tell how Jesus was a frequent guest in our home. We quote scripture about Jesus washing his disciples feet. We share how Mary was allowed to sit with the men to learn from the teacher, counter-culture, but exactly where Jesus wanted her to be. We talk about the goodness in Martha who wanted everything just right for their special guest, but let that get in the way of learning all she could from Jesus. He knew his time with them was short, and she would be a disciple, just like the men.
At lesson's end, Julie and I wash each others feet first... and then we invite the children into the opportunity to have their feet washed. No pressure. Most all accept.
The first year, the children were a bit hesitant, but in most cases... the littlest children led with faith and confidence. In recent years, most of the youth cannot wait for their turn.
One year, they asked if they could wash each other's feet. Of course, we said "Yes". What better way to learn to serve? We have some of the most amazing kids. Some of them grasp quite young the blessing of a servant's heart. They melt my heart, and I understand why Jesus always said to let the children come to Him.
The whole morning is a lesson in servant-hood. In recent years, Brayton Boss has helped us carry the hot and heavy water to the room where we do the foot-washing. In a sense, he was washing our feet.
Julie... who plays Martha... always prepares our costumes by making sure they are fresh. She gathers any props she thinks will add to the "Village of Bethany". Julie constantly washes my feet with her organizational skills and generous heart. I am blessed to serve with her.
I gather some snacks so we can "break bread" together... children thrive on snacks. Some of the older youth will help at times with water for our "guests". Honestly, by the time the morning is over, everyone has served and been served.
There is a holy humility in having your feet washed. There is a special feeling in the reciprocity of foot-washing that brings people together. It is agape love in action. Powerful and special.
My favorite foot-washing story is of one little girl who had a little foot issue the day of foot- washing. (I will not name names unless she discloses it herself) Her dear Mama told her that her feet were not healthy enough to be washed with the others that day. It wasn't leprosy, but it was thoughtful and wise on her mother's part. The trouble is... we had a heartbroken little girl who fully understood the special occasion of foot-washing... and she was missing out. We could not have that!
Since Julie and I were teaching on Wednesday evenings, too, we told her mother we would have a private foot-washing for her when her feet were healthy. It wasn't too many Wednesdays later that we were able to provide her... and the friend she brought with her... a private foot-washing. I will never forget her bright, blue eyes and eager heart. It was such an honor and blessing to make the time to wash her feet that evening. I will carry that memory to my grave and heaven's gate.
Today, that young lady is on her way to being a nurse where she will wash feet literally and figuratively every day. She will be salt and light wherever the Lord leads her.
Because we cannot gather, I am missing our church family, Julie and the children.There is wisdom in following the recommendations about social distancing to prevent unnecessary spread of this relentless virus. It gives us time to reflect on how Jesus humbled himself to die on a cross that we could be set free of our sins... not just a virus.
"And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross." -Philippians 2:8
Obedience is rarely glamorous. In truth, it often looks unappealing, but the peace, love, joy and soul-felt rewards are endless. Whose feet can we wash at a distance today? Whose feet need washing in our small circle at home? Simple acts of kindness can change someone else's day.
Today, I am grateful for those who "wash our feet".
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