Happy Feet

I did something last night that I’ve never done before. I washed someone’s feet. Okay, let me clarify that. I have four children, and they all came equipped with a pair of feet. Coincidentally enough, I have two of my own feet as well. So, technically, I have washed feet many, many, many times in my life. But I’m talking about Jesus-style feet washing. You know, that whole Last Supper kind of thing. This is pretty big for a girl who a) doesn’t really like feet and b) doesn’t like awkward moments.

It goes without saying that I was somewhat forced into this situation by a sister in Christ who a) has no problem with touching others’ feet and b) thrives on awkward moments. But I refused to back down from the challenge and went into the experience prayerfully seeking to know Christ more. In the end, the act of washing the feet of a stranger was not nearly as gross or awkward as I feared. In fact, she was quite pleased with the experience and actually requested a little foot massage to follow. (Which leaves me wondering…did Andrew or James or someone more obscure like Nathaniel hit Jesus up for a little extra rub time? I’m thinking probably not.) At the time, it wasn’t all that impactful either, I’ll be honest enough to say. However, as I pondered on the episode a little longer, it really hit me.

What kind of God humbly washes the feet of those He created and breathed life into? What kind of King makes Himself so low that an onlooker would take Him for a household servant? What kind of Lord gets Himself wet and dirty serving those who should consider it an honor to serve Him?

The answer: The same kind of God who leaves His throne to walk among His subjects. The same kind of King who gives Himself as a ransom for as many slaves as will accept the offer of freedom. The same kind of Lord who silently takes the unspeakable punishment of those who don’t even love Him. Jesus.

It’s astounding to hear people make the claim that all religions and systems of belief lead to the same place in the end. If they really think that, they don’t know the Jesus I know. His path led to the cross so that my path could lead to my Father in heaven. I know of no other god created by man who would make himself nothing for those who, without Him, truly are nothing. It defies reason, logic, and our own desires. This is not a god man would fabricate. Who does this kind of thing? Who imagines a King like this?

I can never completely comprehend a Savior Who loves me so much that He would make Himself nothing for me. I am not worthy, nor will I ever be, but that’s what makes it all the more amazingly beautiful.

In the fall, I will go farther out of my comfort zone than I have ever been. I will go to another country with Happy Feet International, among people who may as well live on a different planet, and I will wash their feet as a way of sharing my Savior’s love for them. My flesh wants to stay with my babies and my husband in our safe, comfortable home, but my Savior asks me to do as He did. It is a miniscule act of service compared to what He has done for me, but it is one small step in my quest to know Him more.

12 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. 13 “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them. John 13