Friday, July 23, 2010
Washing Feet
The Facts:
As I type, our teams are driving to our work sites for the last time. The week has gone by quickly, but last Friday seems SO long ago. Yesterday, the painting crew finished the exterior of their home and have been assigned a demolition job. Special thanks for Duane who has assumed leadership of that team after Jarin was traded to Doug’s team. The other teams will wrap up get things prepared for the next team to take over. Today’s work day is shortened so that we can do a bit of sightseeing in the Lower 9th Ward, French Quarter, & Garden District. After returning to the north shore, we’ll head out to dinner in Mandeville.
The Story:
When Jesus washed his disciples’ feet, he set an example for the rest of us to follow. In order for us to wash others’ feet, we must either get on our knees or lift someone else. Both require us to humble ourselves. I love to see the ways that our team has washed each others’ feet because it always requires humility.
One way we’ve been able to live to the glory of God is by sharing ways in which we’ve served in the strength that he supplies. Some will hesitate to share the ways they’ve served other people because it can sound arrogant or boastful. But if we know we are serving in the strength that God supplies, I believe it’s our responsibility to share what God is doing through us. How will people worship God if they don’t know what he’s doing? As I hear teens share how they’ve looked toward the interests of others, I respond in praise to God for transforming their hearts to serve.
Another practice we’ve been encouraging is to notice ways we’ve seen others serving. This spiritual practice softens our own hearts as we look for evidences of God’s grace it others. As our eyes become more sensitive to seeing this, we end up being less critical, showing greater patience, and being altogether more loving toward one another. It’s this kind of attitude I pray continues and spreads when we return to PA.
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