While attending Maundy Thursday services in the past, I had never participated in the foot washing ceremony. The reason? Pure vanity! I've never liked my feet. They are big, I have a bunion, and, at least to me, my toes are funny looking. My mom would always answer my complaints with, "But you're tall, your feet are proportionate, and they support you so well." This didn't make me feel much better as I longingly gazed at her size 6's.
One of the perks of aging is that you stop caring so much about what others think, thereby squelching some of that vanity. Last Maundy Thursday, during a most solemn and inspiring service at St. Andrew's, I didn't think twice as I removed my shoes and stepped forward to have my feet tenderly washed, then kneeled and washed the feet of the next person. They were small, perfect feet, with perfectly graduated, artistically painted, tiny toes!
On the drive home, I found myself crying tears of humility, happiness, and of a feeling of Christ within me, and I made a promise to God that I will never again complain about the perfect feet God gave me.
This year, on Maundy Thursday, perhaps you, too, will feel compelled to come bare your feet and your soul and feel the love of Christ in the hands and the water that caress your beautiful feet.