Servants Serving the Servants

There is a small town in southern Minnesota where a family opens their house on a plot of land to those seeking a respite from the world and the work that we were doing.

We were several months into our mission work, leading retreat after retreat. Our team was ready to soak up the graces of the Lord.

The family that took us in had perfected hospitality, taking everything into consideration. As someone who was deeply homesick, it was a true consolation to sit in a welcoming living room, eat home-cooked meals, and enjoy the time to rest, sing, pray, and laugh.

During our last night there, at the end of dinner, they asked us to remove our shoes and socks. This older couple got on their knees, brought over a bowl of water and towels, and one by one, they served us. As they cradled our heels, and poured water over our feet, they looked into our eyes, one at a time, thanking us for the work we were doing.

They reminded us that we were sharing the Gospel and leading others to Jesus, and our work would not go unnoticed.

I choked back sobs. I was humbled, and almost embarrassed. I didn’t feel like I deserved this. And I didn’t. Yet, servants recognize the service of others. When someone can see, acknowledge, and illuminate the good work in us, it helps us see it.

I think of those who had their feet washed by the Lord. Surely they were humbled, perhaps even a little embarrassed by how unworthy they were. More than anything, they must have been inspired to lay down their lives in similar service.

How can we wash the feet of those in our lives? Can we be bold enough to acknowledge the goodness in others and serve them? Do we let others serve us and humbly receive their love?

They served us. // @jacquiskempClick to tweet

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Sit with these questions in prayer today, sister.

Jacqueline Skemp is a daughter, sister, wife, and mother who endures living in Minnesota after leaving California for her one true love. She is a contributing author to our children's devotional prayer book called Rise Up. You can find out more about her here.