We began a new Easter tradition this year: A Family Foot Washing.
As the girls get older the more I realize the importance of sharing with them the beauty of Easter that lies beyond the eggs and bunnies. I want them to see the beauty of God's love for them in Jesus. What better than the story of Jesus washing his disciples feet the night he was betrayed?
We began the evening by reading "The Servant King" from the Jesus Storybook Bible.
"One by one, Jesus washed everyone's feet. 'I am doing this because I love you.' Jesus explained.
'Do this for each other.'"
So we did.
To help things go smoothly I took two cups. On one I wrote "Dirty Feet" and on the other I wrote "Washer." I placed a piece of paper with each of our names into both cups. Then we drew one name from each cup and each person had the chance to wash and be washed. It was a simple foot tub with warm water and essential oils with a towel nearby for drying.
As we washed each others feet we said these words:
"Like Jesus, we will offer humble, joyful, loving service."
There was such a beautiful and tender intimacy between all of us. I guess it was due to the focused attention to the person being served and the nature of lovingly washing someones' feet.
The girls LOVED it.
We closed with this prayer:
O Jesus, in this Holy
Week you prayed
that we would love one another
as you have loved us.
Tonight we have tried to practice what you have
taught us!
Let the love, joy and humility
we have known here with our family
continue to bless us,
and let us share that blessing with world
you love and gave your life for.
May the peace we feel together in this place
Point us toward the hope of Easter.
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