Today I got to wash my students' feet.
Okay, so it was because they stepped in paint for their Mother's Day projects, but come on.
Still pretty sweet, especially since I teach at a public school and, though I may want to, cannot stand on my desk and scream JESUS LOVES YOU! at the top of my lungs.
(Although my kids would definitely get a kick out of it.)
My first graders have taught me SO much. They have reminded me to take joy in the small things like new crayons and baby grasshoppers and dancing like a fool. They think the greatest way to spend an afternoon is hopping across the stone path in the butterfly garden or staring into our bin of newly hatched chicks. They have inspired me to dream big dreams for others and believe in the power of a hug.
Today, as I sat turning bucket after bucket of water purple with red and blue paint dripping off sandy, slightly smelly seven year old feet, I was reminded of love. I was reminded of Jesus bending low to set an example to His disciples. I was reminded of what it looks like to humble yourself to serve others.
I came into this teaching position two weeks after returning from South Africa. I was still in the midst of processing my time there and grieving the loss of that season when I was given 17 little lives to shepherd.
17 little minds to challenge.
17 little hearts to invest in.
17 little lives to impact.
I am honored and humbled that the Lord chose me to play a role in these sweet kids' stories. And oh, do they have some stories. They come from all different backgrounds and families and cultures, and yet somehow we all find ourselves on this journey together. I LOVE THEM. Some days, I have come home crying because I feel like I have failed them. Other days, I can't stop bragging on how brilliant my babies are. It's been hard and frustrating and challenging and beautiful to see their little faces every day and know that today I have a chance, a chance, to make a difference in their lives.
Jesus came to show us LOVE. He came to show us the Father.
Holy, Righteous, Perfect, fully God and yet fully man Jesus stooped low to wash the dirty feet of those He loved.
He chooses still to do the same. To me, to you, to all those who put their hope in Him.
He bends down and meets us in the middle of our mess and washes off the dirt and calls us
NEW, CLEAN, PURE.
Praise God!
