Dishwashing or Footwashing

Pro31:28 · #1 03-20-2010, 08:04 PM

Sorry, haven't been around for a while, school and work have kept me very busy. I wrote this today as a Facebook note, but decided I would throw it on here too. I miss you all very much and I will be "seeing" you in about 6 weeks, after graduation (WOO HOO!!)- Pro

I had an experience this week and in my quiet time this morning, it really hit me. Last Monday night, we had our Pastor and his family over for dinner. I attempted to make a good meal and enough for everyone (three teenage boys between the two families!!). I made sure the house was picked up and Andrew, the kids and I were really looking forward to spending some quality time with their family, who we adore.

When they came in, you would think it had been much longer than 24 hours since we had last seen them. They arrived with hugs (and amazing éclairs) and we spent a good amount of time just chatting. When it came time for the meal we all sat and talked, each person reaching for something- and I sat there thinking how blessed we are to have such an amazing family as our spiritual leaders.

When the meal was finished, the kids retired to the living room for a little Rock Band/ Call of Duty time and I was simply going to play the “Mary” part and enjoy the company rather than the “Martha” part, which I am prone to do. As I was chatting with Lourdes (our Pastor’s wife), Wilson (our Pastor) began to grab dishes off of the table.
I was mortified!!!
Did he think I wasn’t able to clean it?
Was he bothered by the dishes?
As I started to get up, he told me to keep talking. Andrew got up and helped him as they loaded the dishwasher, I just kept thinking, “oh my goodness, what about the dirty dishes that are already in there? What if he sees under my sink?” As he and Andrew washed all of the dishes, they visited, and Lourdes and I had a wonderful conversation. When they left that evening, I was amazed- the only thing I had left to do was load the dessert dishes (because the dishwasher had gone through an entire cycle while we visited), it was wonderful!

I really didn’t think about it again until I was having some quiet time this morning. All of a sudden, I was reminded of Peter and how horrible he felt when Jesus attempted to wash his feet. Jesus explained, "Do you understand what I have done to you? You address me as 'Teacher' and 'Master,' and rightly so. That is what I am. So if I, the Master and Teacher, washed your feet, you must now wash each other's feet. I've laid down a pattern for you. What I've done, you do. I'm only pointing out the obvious. A servant is not ranked above his master; an employee doesn't give orders to the employer. If you understand what I'm telling you, act like it—and live a blessed life” (John 13:14-17).

The only time that I have ever washed anyone’s feet, besides my kiddos, was in church and I felt pretty good about myself for doing so. I was prepared and I knew that I was doing a good thing. But maybe it isn’t about foot washing anymore, maybe it’s dishwashing. Could God have been teaching me a lesson about Himself, about servant hood and about what it really means to be a leader. I don’t know if that was the intention, but I certainly learned something; or one thing, that I really prefer washing the dishes, as opposed to having mine washed- but that is what I learned, humility does not generally come in serving (though it can), it often comes more when you are being served.

Raven · #2 03-20-2010, 08:12 PM

Excellent. Great post!

notofworks · #3 03-20-2010, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pro31:28

Sorry, haven't been around for a while, school and work have kept me very busy. I wrote this today as a Facebook note, but decided I would throw it on here too. I miss you all very much and I will be "seeing" you in about 6 weeks, after graduation (WOO HOO!!)- Pro

I had an experience this week and in my quiet time this morning, it really hit me. Last Monday night, we had our Pastor and his family over for dinner. I attempted to make a good meal and enough for everyone (three teenage boys between the two families!!). I made sure the house was picked up and Andrew, the kids and I were really looking forward to spending some quality time with their family, who we adore.

When they came in, you would think it had been much longer than 24 hours since we had last seen them. They arrived with hugs (and amazing éclairs) and we spent a good amount of time just chatting. When it came time for the meal we all sat and talked, each person reaching for something- and I sat there thinking how blessed we are to have such an amazing family as our spiritual leaders.

When the meal was finished, the kids retired to the living room for a little Rock Band/ Call of Duty time and I was simply going to play the “Mary” part and enjoy the company rather than the “Martha” part, which I am prone to do. As I was chatting with Lourdes (our Pastor’s wife), Wilson (our Pastor) began to grab dishes off of the table.
I was mortified!!!
Did he think I wasn’t able to clean it?
Was he bothered by the dishes?
As I started to get up, he told me to keep talking. Andrew got up and helped him as they loaded the dishwasher, I just kept thinking, “oh my goodness, what about the dirty dishes that are already in there? What if he sees under my sink?” As he and Andrew washed all of the dishes, they visited, and Lourdes and I had a wonderful conversation. When they left that evening, I was amazed- the only thing I had left to do was load the dessert dishes (because the dishwasher had gone through an entire cycle while we visited), it was wonderful!

I really didn’t think about it again until I was having some quiet time this morning. All of a sudden, I was reminded of Peter and how horrible he felt when Jesus attempted to wash his feet. Jesus explained, "Do you understand what I have done to you? You address me as 'Teacher' and 'Master,' and rightly so. That is what I am. So if I, the Master and Teacher, washed your feet, you must now wash each other's feet. I've laid down a pattern for you. What I've done, you do. I'm only pointing out the obvious. A servant is not ranked above his master; an employee doesn't give orders to the employer. If you understand what I'm telling you, act like it—and live a blessed life” (John 13:14-17).

The only time that I have ever washed anyone’s feet, besides my kiddos, was in church and I felt pretty good about myself for doing so. I was prepared and I knew that I was doing a good thing. But maybe it isn’t about foot washing anymore, maybe it’s dishwashing. Could God have been teaching me a lesson about Himself, about servant hood and about what it really means to be a leader. I don’t know if that was the intention, but I certainly learned something; or one thing, that I really prefer washing the dishes, as opposed to having mine washed- but that is what I learned, humility does not generally come in serving (though it can), it often comes more when you are being served.

Fine, so he's a nice guy. But he's still a trinitarian.

Pro31:28 · #4 03-20-2010, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by notofworks

Fine, so he's a nice guy. But he's still a trinitarian.

Yes, but he is a CHRISTIAN Trinitarian- Oh, and how many "oneness" pastors have done your dishes?

MissBrattified · #5 03-20-2010, 08:22 PM

LOVE your post, Pro31!!!! Fantastic & thought provoking!

notofworks · #6 03-20-2010, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pro31:28

Yes, but he is a CHRISTIAN Trinitarian- Oh, and how many "oneness" pastors have done your dishes?

Is there such thing as a "Christian Trinitarian"???

You know, come to think of it, I've never had a Oneness person do my dishes. I always notice that when Oneness people come over , they just sit there and don't do nutin'!!!

Seriously though, great story and humbling.

(to any oneness people who I have offended, I apologize. I'm just kidding)