Washing Feet

“We are going to go to the day shelter and give women beauty treatments.  Want to come?  You might be helping with haircuts, or painting nails…I think there might even be a massage therapist there. “

I found myself saying that I would go.  A few days later when we arrived I found myself giving pedicures and that means that I was washing feet.  There were homeless women with missing teeth, homeless mommas, and homeless teenagers.  For the most part they fit the stereotype.  For the most part.  They are people.

And while I wasn’t expecting to be washing feet, just painting toenails, there was a bigger surprise waiting.  See this had been set up as a way to serve women in the community, but the men wanted to be a part as well.  And there was a man who sat down at my station.  His feet needed to be washed.  And I sat there, with the tub in front of me and washed and scrubbed and rubbed lotion on his worn, callused feet.

I also had the opportunity to wash a pregnant woman’s feet and paint a frilly French pedicure that day.  She had her daughter about 8 years old with her.  It was pink for the little girl and a deep foot rub for her momma.  It was humbling.

 

Today I was thinking about Easter.  It’s one of the most important holidays as a Christian.  At the last supper Jesus washes the disciples’ feet.  It says {he} rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him. John 13.4-5

Have you ever washed someone’s feet?  It’s humbling, on the part of the receiver.  It’s a gift that is a symbol and an act.  When we wash our feet we are preparing them to do work.  Our feet work the hardest and receive the least attention, at least mine do.

We are called to be hands and feet.  Tangible work.  It’s through the gospel that this work acquires meaning and we are humbled. 

How beautiful are the feet that bring Good News Romans 10.15

So as we come towards the last supper I am going to be looking down…at my feet.  In reverence, in awe.

God's Plan {Wedding Season}

I wrote at least 3 blog posts today, 2 in my head and 1 in my notebook for American Political Rhetoric.  It did apply to what we were talking about and I just wanted to share what I’ve been learning.  So that should be coming soon.  What I didn’t plan on was writing out a blog post and skimping on my precious sleep.  I have been {re}learning that life is not ideal and I think this instance is a choice for me to dive into that deeper.  Here is to writing what is on my heart and embracing all that is not ideal...

A few months ago I landed at The Lipstick Gospel and I was blown away. 

Stephanie is an incredible writer and has a beautiful journey of life and faith to share.  We started a short correspondence and I hop over to her site every once and awhile.  It has become more frequent that I visit.  I love to sit there and read.  Tonight I hopped over there as my computer was dying to see recent posts.  And staring back at me was a title that immediately sucked me in.

 God told me who I am going to marry.

I grabbed the computer cord and sat and read.  I am a quick reader and I couldn't soak it up fast enough.  Before I finished I knew that I wanted to share it.

In a way I knew what it was going to say.  At the same time it was if an older sister was sitting there sharing her experiences. 

I haven’t let on about it here, but I am surrounded by engaged people.  I am excited for them, but it’s a little overwhelming.  It’s a season of life, and I don’t know when it will end.  During the course of today day I have talked about; bridesmaid dresses (3x), wedding dresses, wedding invitations and addresses (2x), bridal showers (4x) and miscellaneous other things. 

Weddings are wonderful, but I am enjoying this season. 

I love the place where God has me. 

I am me and there is a choice for the future.  And the first choice is to follow God’s plan.

This is not a sponsored post, a mearly love what Stephanie shared

Happy Heart Day!

Today is a wonderful day to take the time and think about how I can be thankful and how to pass along a little extra love.  While this isn't my favorite day of the year, I am loving the perspective I have.  This morning has already started off with heart shaped cinnamon rolls, a dance party, chocolate, making a PB&J heart shapped sandwich for lunch, and conversation hearts.  I feel like I've reverted back to childhood.

 

I hope your day is filled with laughter and love!

Celebrations!

Ok I know that Valentine's Day is so close but really I like these celebrations better.  And to me they represent love to me.

 

Way back when... (2009)

 

My dad is like me.  Rather I am like my dad.   One of the things that gets to him is that though he likes feeling special, he doesn't like being singled out and being the center of attention.  As he put it on the phone yesterday, he doesn't like being treated more special than others.

Thanks for being special to me and passing traits on to me that make it obvious that I am your daughter.  I have learned so much from you and can't wait to learn more.

Happy {belated} Birthday Daddy!

PS I've read through this at least 3 times. Daddy, I am sorry if I missed any mistakes. I know you catch all of them.

 

 

 

And the other celebration that I think needs mentioning is the fact that my parents have been married 25 years. 

 

Happy Anniversary!

 

They are a great example to me and shown me what I am looking for.