oh this junior high girl
I had a seriously humbling moment last night. I have been speaking at Rolling Hills Junior High Camp this week in Redding (wow, redding is, uhhhm, not my fav). I finished speaking last night about Jesus’ mission to serve the world. Specifically how intentional he was about putting himself in situation and circumstances where he would have opportunities to serve those who least expected his love and compassion. Following my talk the youth group leaders organized a time of foot washing. I haven’t done foot washing forever. I don’t like foot washing a whole lot - I think I dislike my feet being washed by a stranger worst than washing a strangers feet.
So I am sitting there watching all these kids when this little junior high girl approaches me and asks if she can wash my feet. Here name was Elaina. I hesitated for a moment. I thought, this was their exercise not mine. How could I say no to this little junior high girl? I mean how much courage does it take to come up to the speaker of your camp that you do not know and ask if you can wash his feet? I’ll answer my own question, A STINKIN TON OF COURAGE!
I walked over to the station, sat down, and she started washing my feet. I was seriously humbled. She washed every part of my dirty feet and then took a dry towel and wiped them dry. It took everything in me to allow her to continue. I found myself wanting to tell her that was enough and thank you for being so sweet, being such a servant. However, I sat humbly until she finished.
I find with myself that sometimes I have a hard time accepting acts of love and service. I don’t know if I think I am stronger and can survive on my own without the assistance of others? I hope this is not what it is - but it more than likely may be. Elaina taught me last night that allowing people to serve me and each other truly benefits the one who gives. Seriously, this little girl’s face was shining. She was proud and obedient and ready to continue to live this life once she heads home.
Next time someone wants to be Jesus to you, let them. Accept the gift. Serving is as much about accepting another persons offering of love as it is about giving.
Thanks Elaina.
July 28th, 2010 at 12:34 pm
I have been thinking and struggling this this same thought lately. I have realized how horrible I am at allowing others to serve me or even admitting that I could use help or love. For me it is less vulnerable to serve than be served and I have become stuck in that. Thanks for posting this.
July 28th, 2010 at 1:09 pm
Speachless. Somethin’ wonderful. Thanks for sharing.
July 29th, 2010 at 9:41 am
That last sentence is so true. I am so quick to want to serve others and yet don’t allow them to return the favor. Elaina is an incredibly brave young woman!