Thursday, August 23, 2012

Washing the disciples' feet

It is winter in Zambia - the dry season.  This means dust everywhere.  Just sitting still, or riding in a car with the windows closed, the dust sifts in and settles in an innocuous but definite way. 

It is also the perfect climate for flip-flops.  I wear them; almost everyone who isn't working indoors wears them.  By the end of the day you experience a fine grit - well just about everywhere.  Feet are brown, clothese are dusty, your face feels gritty and your hair is just holding its own.

Just before dinner Tuesday evening, I could stand it no longer.  There wasn't time for a bath, so I climbed into the tub inside the bath tub, ran the water and washed my feet.  When I got to the dinner table, my feet were the cleanest part of me (with exception to my hands of course), and I can't tell you how wonderful that felt.

I felt prepared to receive the gift of food.  I felt refreshed and more able to converse with my companions.  I felt renewed.  It made me think of the gift of foot washing that Jesus gave to the disciples - cleansing, renewing, refreshing.  For the sake of the kingdom of God.  A moment that caused me to pause and think.

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