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I Still Do!

Muddy Sneakers

By Tricia Williams

We had only been married a few months when my husband taught me a lesson in service and love I'll never forget.

John and I were out for an afternoon "powerwalk." In the course of our conversation, he said something that hurt my feelings. I said nothing about it at first, only growing more frustrated and withdrawn. John could not help but notice the change in my demeanor and immediately asked if anything was wrong.

Knowing it's better to be open and honest, I told him he had hurt my feelings. He expressed genuine surprise and explained his comments in more detail. I felt a little better, but by this time I was well on my way to a foul mood. At the same time, I realized with mild alarm that my new pure-white sneakers were getting dirtier as we traipsed down the muddy path.

We were both quiet as John led us to some faded red bleachers. After sitting in uncomfortable silence for several moments, we agreed to head home. In the car, I kept sneaking peeks at John as he drove. I had a nagging thought that I should apologize for being too sensitive and moody, but I couldn't seem to bring myself to do it.

When we arrived home, I flopped down on the living room floor and sighed loudly, confused with my unusually immature behavior. I knew I was feeling sorry for myself, but I didn't care.

Soon I heard running water in the kitchen sink. Although I am usually happy my husband is the "official" dishwasher in our home, I became annoyed. Why doesn't he come hold me? I thought. He knows I probably need a hug.

But John had other ideas.

I raised my head to look at him. "What are you doing?" my voice squeaked pitifully.

I nearly choked on his reply.

"I'm washing your shoes," came my husband's cheerful response as he leaned over the sink.

I sat straight up. "Oh, honey," I said, all traces of self-pity gone, "you don't have to do that."

He just smiled that serene smile of his and said, "Yes, I do."

A similar scene is taking place in a rented upstairs room. This time, 12 egos are at stake, embarrassed for themselves, yet more embarrassed for their Master.

A dozen pairs of eyes zero in on what Jesus held in His hands—a towel. Clearing their throats nervously, they cast side glances at each other and wonder what's about to come next.

They don't have long to wait. "He poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him" (John 13:5).

The disciples watched, fascinated. Their random thoughts ricocheted wildly about the room as they groped for understanding. Why didn't He send for a servant? What if someone hears about this?

Jesus knew what they were thinking—He knew all about them. He had observed them, lived and walked with them for three years. Yet He offered no verbal explanation. Service for a loved one needs no explanation.

As the Lord drew close to Peter, the dumbfounded disciple quickly found his voice. Peter said, "Lord, are You going to wash my feet?"

Jesus stopped for a moment. "You don't realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand."

Then Peter grew bolder. "You will never wash my feet."

Imagine the murmurings at this point. Surely the Lord would give up on Peter and serve the next disciple.

But Jesus had other plans. He answered Peter, "Unless I wash you, you have no part with Me."

Peter gulped. This was not what he had expected. Maybe he'd spoken too quickly. He said, "Lord, not just my feet, but my hands and my head as well!"

Jesus knew the only way the disciples would eventually understand loving service was to see it in action, by His own example. He assumed a duty beneath Him to teach us about serving others, even if they don't deserve it.

My husband knew that for me to listen and perhaps see my own selfishness, he needed to express love through an incredible act of service. I didn't deserve that love—and I definitely don't deserve a God who cleans more than just my feet. But that's what loving service is all about, showing more compassion for others than they've shown for us.

You can be sure the next time my husband and I have a disagreement, I'm going to beat him to the sink, his muddy sneakers in my hands.

"I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you" (John 13:15).