It wasn’t quite what they bargained for.
When the girls in the Mother/Daughter Bible study I was leading spied the tables of nail polish, lotions, scrubs and other spa items, they could hardly wait for the pampering to begin.
Then we pulled the old bait and switch: “Girls, tonight you’re going to wash your mom’s feet and give her a pedicure. Then she can do the same for you.”
After a moment of stunned silence, the reaction from the girls was immediate and nearly unanimous:
“Oooo… that’s SO gross!”
“Really? I’m not going to wash your stinky feet!”
“Do we have to use the same water?! Yuck!!”
Okay, time out, girlies.
If we’re going to talk about gross, let’s take a little walk down memory lane, shall we? Now, remind me, who was it that changed your smelly diapers? Cleans up after you after you get sick? Does your dirty laundry?
So, let’s see … scrubbing and wiping your mom’s feet after they’ve soaked in a tub of scented water? Doesn’t even register on the ‘ick’ meter.
I kept those thoughts to myself. And after a little prodding, the girls soon succumbed to the intoxicating lure of scented bath products.
My daughter Molly’s first words after we sat down? “I get to go first!”
Yep, the object lesson on servanthood was clearly making an impact.
Within a few minutes, though, an amazing thing happened. I looked around the room to see moms and daughters laughing and enjoying each other. Both seemed to be equally enjoying serving and being served. One even commented: “This is the funnest thing we’ve done yet!”
There’s something about serving each other that breaks down barriers. It’s supernatural. Because left to our own humanness, we’re inherently selfish.
Even moms. True, I’m always doing things for my children. But I don’t always have an attitude of service.
I sometimes catch myself doing things for my kids grudgingly or out of obligation. Or, more often, I unconsciously expect something in return – gratitude, love, cooperation. I deserve it, I reason. And I can become disappointed or resentful when they don’t comply.
And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you. I tell you the truth, slaves are not greater than their master. Nor is the messenger more important than the one who sends the message. Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them. John 13:14-17
19 Comments
What an awesome lesson in servitude. Christ was the epitome of a servant leader. He lead by his service to others. That’s the example I want to follow. I wonder if I start doing this activity with my 5 yo it will stick? Thanks for the great reminder.
“There is something about serving that breaks down barriers.” Oh, man. That is truth. It applies to so many situations. Wow, just lovely. (and I don’t always have an attitude of service with my kids either—and it matters. It makes all the difference in the world):) –Lisa
{Melinda} Lisa, I have been inspired by the acts of service you and Ashley have been doing this Christmas season. May God richly bless your efforts (I’m sure He already has!) and your families this Christmas season and throughout the New Year. 🙂
Oooh, this is a good one! I really needed the reminder that true service is done without expecting something in return. I am so guilty of grumbling through things. I bet things would feel easier if I changed my attitude. Love this. Truly inspirational.
{Melinda} I do this so often with my kids — “Why are you acting like this after all I’ve done for you?!” I’m really trying to stop that. It doesn’t inspire them! And our motive shouldn’t be to serve them to make us feel loved or appreciated. That goes against everything we feel and want as humans!
Hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas, AnnMarie. Micah went to the CF Clinic today and had awesome PFTs! Thank you for praying for him!
Melinda!!!! That is excellent news! I am so happy to hear that! Prayers answered!
What a great story of teaching our children and ourselves to serve, without expectation and reward. I wish I could have been there with my girl! I may steal with idea to use in my Sunday School class…LOVE it!! Thanks so much for sharing it Melinda!
“THIS idea”…(sigh)
{Melinda} The girls and moms loved it, Chris! It was a nice way to get a little pampering, but also be a servant. Win-win! Let me know how it works out for your group. 🙂
What a great lesson! Thanks to your obedience, I’m sure mothers and daughters left there with a stronger bond between them. Thanks for sharing! 😉 Have a blessed week!
{Melinda} Moms and middle school girls need all the support and opportunities for bonding they can get. It really is a difficult age. Thanks so much for stopping by!
Ha, ha! I wish I could have seen those girls faces! But what a great object lesson. So important to learn to serve others joyfully. Important, but not always easy.
{Melinda} Yes, their faces were priceless. In general, middle school girls like to be served, not serve! 🙂
I love this post … I WANT to be a better servant. It’s a constant prayer and a frequent struggle of mine.
Thanks to MFS for always being such an encouragement!
xo
{Melinda} Being a servant goes against our human nature, doesn’t it? It’s a struggle for me, too, Michelle. YOU are an encouragement to us! 🙂
Wonderful post! It’s amazing how serving leads to joy you could never know without it, isn’t it? Giving is getting in such a unique and amazing way. It becomes addictive, too…and I’m very ok with that. 🙂 It’s hard to always have an attitude of service, especially when we jump into “I deserve” mode. No one is innocent of those thoughts or words. That’s why I think it’s important to say thank you, even for the small things, because when you stay grateful, you stay humble, and therefore can serve with joy more often than not. 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing this!
{Melinda} I love what you said about saying “Thank you” for even the small things. I try to do that because it really does keep you in a spirit of gratefulness. I’ve been trying to thank God more throughout the day and it’s really helped me realize how dependent I am on him for every good thing in my life. 🙂
So true. This Christmas, I’ll seek to give without strings attached. What a lovely sentiment to remember during this season.
{Melinda} Hope you have a wonderful Christmas, Lynn!