Bubbles scatter around my ankles as I sink my feet into a bucket of soapy water. Twelve little hands start to touch my dirty feet. Laughter starts to overflow from my mouth as my teammates start to rub in between my toes, my teammates are washing my feet.
I’ve never had anyone wash my feet before and man was it so refreshing and cleansing for my soul. I sat back in peace, smiling, talking and giggling amongst my teammates. In moments like this I just sit in awe and step out of reality for a second. I start to think about how blessed I am to be sitting next to all these sweet girls and how cool God is for opening up this opportunity for me. I am sitting on a rooftop in Cambodia getting my feet washed while there’s birds singing, wind blowing and sun radiating down on my soon to be burnt skin.
When I was washing my other teammates feet I was reminded of how Jesus served his disciples the night of the passover. He washed their feet, which was seen as one of the lowliest services at the time, and he did it out of love and humility. He even used his own clothing to wash their feet. Jesus also did this knowing that some of them would betray him. He fully understands that we are sinners and need his grace, mercy, love, and help. Often I forget that Jesus wants to help me out and that he truly delights in the times I spend with him.
I also was thinking about how God is more than willing to wash away the sins that we humans walk in on a day to day basis. He washes us with the water of life, renewing us with new mercies everyday. This just brings so much joy to my soul. When we mess up, make a mistake, or even consciously make a bad decision God has got our back and will forgive us when we simply ask and repent.
We serve a God who came to serve and not to be served. Jesus’ actions toward his disciples inspire me to serve my teammates with great grace, humility, and love. It was an honor to wash their dirty, calloused feet. It killed my pride. It came to my realization that whoever I am serving whether that be my team or the locals around me, I should do so in lowliness of heart and mind, seeking to build each and every person up in Christ’s love.
This has been the most unifying thing that I’ve experienced with my team. The vibe was sweet, gentle, and playful. I felt like we were little children serving on another with pure, intentional and genuine love. I know that I can look back on this moment and be reminded that we are unified no matter what trials, fights, or hardships we encounter this year.
