“You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” John 13:13-15
Last night, we attended the Maundy Thursday services at our church. Luckily, childcare was provided so JJ and I thought it would be a good opportunity to experience each service our church offers during this Easter weekend.
We were preparing to drop all three children off in the childcare room when my friend mentioned that she was going to allow her two older boys, one of which is Susannah’s age, to worship with us. Admittedly, I had thought about including Susannah as we were driving into the lot and when my friend said this I took it as a “OK, God. We’ll take her in with us,” kind of moment.
I’m so glad I listened.
I don’t always listen. Sometimes I tell Him “not now” or “you couldn’t possibly be serious.” But this time I listened and oh…was it ever such proof that we should just lay ourselves down at the foot of the cross.
We had been discussing the Last Supper earlier this week and Susannah mentioned she wanted to see a picture of this pivotal event of the Easter story. We looked at many versions (thank you, Google Images!) and we all decided that we liked the Da Vinci painting the best.
We then looked at the scripture surrounding the Last Supper and found the above verse. Susannah was mesmerized that Jesus would get down and wash the feet of his disciples because it was so unheard of for someone of his stature to serve those who are considered to be “beneath” Him. Yet He did.
Our church incorporated a “congregational foot washing” in which each member present would have the opportunity to have their feet washed and then wash the feet of another. In other words, we would be served then we would serve.
I have done this before and it was powerful. To allow someone you oftentimes don’t even know do this for you can make us feel so vulnerable yet so moved at the same time – you just must simply stop and allow yourself to be served.
I gave Susannah the choice to just go up to the altar with me and watch or actually participate.
To my utter surprise, she chose to participate.
I washed my little girl’s feet.
I have washed my little girl’s feet about a million times since her birth just five short years ago. But this time was so different.
The statement was profound.
I serve her every day. I serve her lunch. I serve her the toothpaste on her toothbrush. I serve her snacks. I serve her my time. I serve her drinks when she is thirsty. I serve hugs when she is sad. The list is endless.
Admittedly, serving can sometimes be exhausting. Sometimes I just want to belt out “I CAN’T SERVE ANYONE ELSE ANYTHING ELSE FOR THE REST OF THE DAY!!!”
But this serving, this foot washing, was so much more than the minutiae of the everyday.
Technically speaking, I am above this sweet girl in stature. Yet I bowed to her and washed her tickly little girl feet and kissed her sweet little toes with tears streaming down my face.
I’m certain the congregants were about to call for a dose of Prozac.
As I kissed her toes, with the tears, I told her “I love serving you. I love being your mommy. You are so precious to me.” She giggled.
Then it was her turn to wash. I was a bit of a hovercraft because I was worried that the sweet lady who would be the washee to Susannah’s washer role would feel like she had gotten gypped out of a good old foot washin’.
Then I remembered we were not at Le Nails getting pedicures.
Guided gently by her daddy, she followed the correct hygienic procedure. She did not wash the woman’s feet for long but she scrubbed the tops and the bottoms and the experience was not lost on her.
She was able feel the wonderful feeling of serving someone she doesn’t even know. She was tickled and felt so good that she had washed the feet of this woman.
Susannah got up to leave when the woman stopped her, looked at her, and said “thank you”. She then grabbed Susannah’s innocent face and planted a kiss on her soft cheek.
The moment was beautiful.
And that’s how I get to start my Easter weekend, folks. Serving one the most wonderful blessings that has been given to me here on this earth and watching that same blessing serve someone else. Watching someone else love my child. Watching Jesus’ love pull two people together who are generations apart.
Happy Easter weekend, my sweet friends. He has risen indeed.
Gorgeous. Beautiful. Fabulous. Wonderful. This is my dose of happy this morning.
.-= Alison ´s last blog ..a smorgasbord o’posts….all rolled into one convenient package fer ya =-.
Thank you, Alison. What a great comment to wake up and see first thing this morning. We all need good doses of happy.
Happy Easter to you and yours!
Thank you my lone commenter of the day!!! :)
What a beautiful, touching moment with your daughter. A memory to hold forever.
It was. Thank you.
I can’t get to your blog via the link you sent. Is is glowingirl.blogspot.com? Just want to visit!!!
Happy Easter to you all, GlowinGirl!!!! Gosh I love that name…
A wonderful story! This morning you really touched me on many points, but I will share that this week has been tough on me, my 2 year old is battling a head cold and is up several times a night and my just-4 year old has been slowly giving up his afternoon naps – leaving me, a 10-wk pregnant full-time mommy very tired! (sshh – we haven’t shared with many that I am pregnant making it harder becasue I can’t even blame my tiredness on this!) This morning I was on the edge and not sure I could take one more whine, cry or demand. Somehow I found enough quiet time to read your post and it all made it so much more real for me. I am so blessed to have the opportunity to serve my sweet boys each day! Jesus served tirelessly and I need to remember to use his example to strengthen me when I am in a low like this morning. Your story moved me to tears, which made my 4 year old ask why? I saw a window! So I explained as best I could and apologized for my bad mood this morning. The religious part of my story seemed to go right over his head (he is still trying to understand why anyone would hurt Jesus) but it is a start and I will keep talking to him about it! Happy Easter!
Sweet Kelly…Your comment made my day on a day I was wondering if I should not be writing. Thank you for words – it made me realize I need to keep this up.
You are so not alone. I can’t tell you how many times I “lose it” and have to ask my children’s forgiveness. The concept of grace is taught very early at our house because I need a lot of it from them.
Congratulations on your secret! :) I have to say that you are pulling a “Natalie” – you are spacing your little people close together and while this is how God wants our families to be, it is still difficult at times. Especially when you are in the first trimester of pregnancy. Oh my. I remember feeling like I was running through Jell-O all day and literally thought I would die if I didn’t get a nap in.
Be easy on yourself and give yourself permission to not attempt to win “Mother of the Year” awards. Your goal right now is to just keep everyone alive. You will do it and you will do it well. This too shall pass.
Happy Easter to you all. I will be praying for your energy level and overall health.
oh, Natalie, this is just fabulous!! what a very ,very cool thing to experience.. can I ask what church you go to? I have done the foot/washing thing once before and it was amazing.. what a very cool thing to include your daughter in this moment. I love when God gives these little teaching moments, as it mom and daughter of Christ , it just makes me gush. may you have an incredible, blessed Easter this gorgeous (lets hope -=) weekend!
.-= Elizabeth´s last blog ..and he’s got a mowhawk… =-.
Thanks for reading and commenting, Elizabeth. We attend Covenant.
I also love when God teaches us – invariably, He always uses my children to show me the way.
Happy Easter to you as well!
oh, and great picture too.. =)
.-= Elizabeth´s last blog ..and he’s got a mowhawk… =-.
Can’t take credit for the photo – I got it from Google Images. It is a cute on though…:)
That will make your heart melt, Natalie. What a blessing! I am so happy for you, that you were able to experience all of that with your daughter. God definitely smiled all over you.
Have a blessed Easter!
.-= Tracy´s last blog ..Pictures from the Road Trip and an Easter Break =-.
Thanks, Tracy – my heart DID melt.
I hope your Easter was a wonderful one – He has risen indeed.
Natalie, this is such a beautiful post. I’m sure your daughter will remember this day, as well as the woman whose feet she washed…
Have a wonderful Easter weekend with your sweet family!
Thanks, Heather. I think she will remember the service to others and the sweet kiss that woman gave her.
We had a wonderful weekend – I hope YOUR sweet family had a good one as well!
Amazing. I do this every Sunday night for James after the kids are in bed and it has really been meaningful for us. As I wash, I pray for his upcoming week at work and for our marriage.
I had my feet washed while I was away at a women’s retreat a few months ago and it was the most moving and humbling experience I’ve ever had.
Wishing you a Happy Easter.
Love you all
What a sweet thing to do for your sweet husband!!! Love it!