He took a towel and tied it around his waist.
Then he poured water into a basin
and began to wash the disciples’ feet and
dry them with the towel around his waist.
John 13:4-5
When my sisters and I gathered at the hospital to tell our mother the results of her surgery, we did so with heavy hearts. The doctor had removed her eighty-two year old gall bladder with great success. Unfortunately, the disease that resulted in this procedure had spread to other organs. At this late stage, nothing could be done except to keep our mother as comfortable as possible.
When we shared this news with her, our mom immediately declared, “I’ve had a good long life. I wanted to leave a family that contributed and I have. I hope I can do what I want to do for as long as I can.” With that, our mom went on to say that she would no longer need the bedrooms she used at my sister’s and my homes because she would become a permanent resident of the facility we had selected for her post-surgical recovery. She ignored our invitations to stay with us. When she settled into her new home, our mom continued to do everything she could to make her eventual passing as easy as possible for her children. This was her custom, you know. My mom always put others before herself.
Merciful God, as we wait through this night with Jesus, we give thanks for your everlasting generosity. We also ask your help as we emulate your love in our service to those we meet along the way.
©2015 Mary Penich – All Rights Reserved