love with legs

“Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.”

“When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. ‘Do you understand what I have done for you?’ he asked them. You call me “Teacher’” and “Lord,” and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” John 13:3-5, 12-17

My child,

My Son was fully aware of who he was when he entered into this humble act of service. He knew he had unlimited power. He knew he came from me, was returning to me, and was God. And yet, he chose to serve those he created.  

He took on the most menial of human tasks – washing feet. He left his meal, prepared for the job, and humbled himself to illustrate true service. Christ has set the example. Do you want to follow him and serve in that way?

Do you find it difficult to get your hands dirty and do what is considered lowly? You know those sacrificial acts when you wind up worn out, sweaty, grimy, and under-appreciated by those you serve?  

Sometimes you feel certain tasks are trivial or insignificant. But I can give you a heart that desires to serve as Christ did, in the momentous and the menial.

If you are truly confident in whom I created you to be, you will not chafe in the least lofty of tasks. Anything done empowered by my Spirit has eternal value. I am right there with you in the middle of the mess.

I love you,

Abba

My Abba,

I am so glad to be reminded of your truth on service. I realize I feel fulfilled when I serve through teaching, leading or writing. For eight years, I have been focused on leading a ministry that is demanding but definitely rewarding.

Now the “social distancing” we are practicing with the corona virus raging around our planet is giving me more opportunities to serve in the quiet recesses of our home. With multiple family members who are at high risk for serious outcomes if they contract the disease, you have presented me with new opportunities to serve.

I admit sanitizing surfaces, tending to laundry, and clearing daily clutter that seems to reinvent itself every hour is not my preferred jam. But here I am. You are patiently reminding me of the blessing of humble tasks as I serve behind the scenes with only you watching.

Thank you for the strong reminder of the way you, the God of the Galaxies, serve us. That earth-shaking reality consumes my pride. If you do what you do, what task is beneath me? Continue to teach me how to love and serve graciously (in grand and modest ways). I want my love to have legs.

Please make me a conduit of your love. Flow through me to others in a way that causes them to understand it is your love that they are experiencing.

I love you,

Mollie

mollie@mollieaxtell.com

photo: tryapitsyn