Halcyon Wash

Stinky feet empty out of muddy, snowy boots. Giggles and tilting  bodies pour in the door. My breath comes hard. Frustration building in my chest. Gentleness stops me.

"Aren't your feet dirty too? Am I, I AM, coming down hard on you for the messes you make?"

I am reminded of His loving-kindness again. If God the enormous Creator disciplines me and draws me with loving-kindness, is it right to extend fierce frustration?

no.


I bend low and quietly slip off boots. I whisper questions of the joy shared beyond indoor walls. I think of Jesus taking off his outer clothing, tying a towel around his waste. Washing feet, sopping up muddy water too.


After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”

Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”

“No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.”

Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.”

“Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!”

Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.” John13 5-10

Is not our feet where we add the preparation of the gospel of peace? 

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand....and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. ...
 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.       Ephesians 6:12-18


I see why it is our feet that have to be continually washed. We cannot come to another with the presentation of them needing something with an attitude that we don't need it anymore. This journey that we make here in the Creation of God does not end until death.


We get our feet washed clean. Then we take the white towel given us and soak up the muddy residue that is left on the feet of one whom we splash the living water on.


This peace as described in the verses is peace with God, which is the foundation for gentleness. Proverbs 16:21 says that a wise heart is discerning and the sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness. We must wash gently. Whispering clearly. Bending down. Reaching Down. Make disciples of those around us headed for darkness and torment.


Father, Let me see my own need for daily repentance and your washing first. That I may take that same need I have that you fill, and be led through that, to sharing Your great love with others. Especially those in my home.