Wow, did I learn something new from this activity! A very conscientious district leader organized an activity where companions in his district would wash one another's feet. The take-away was supposed to be because Christ did "yeuchy" things, we should be willing to do so too. But I learned something entirely different.
One of the hermanas didn't have a companion because her companion was in an interview so I washed her feet and she washed mine. At first I thought I would feel "yech" because I'm a bit of a germ freak. But my response was just the opposite.
As I washed her feet I thought of how hard she had been working, walking all day long in the dusty, muddy streets of Santo Domingo, over rocky roads, filled with holes and pitfalls. I was filled with tremendous love for her and I desired to show her how much I loved her. I wanted to wash her feet, tenderly, slowly; I wanted her to feel better, to feel relief, to feel cared for. I felt it was a privilege, and I didn't once think "yech."
I realized that our Savior likely felt this way when he washed his disciples feet. I don't think he felt "yech". I think he felt love. I think he felt compassion for what they had been through, being his disciples, and compassion for what they would yet endure, being his disciples. I think he wanted to fortify them, to show them he cared, to help them feel supported. I think this should be our goal when we serve one another, not to do so holding our nose, but doing so while reaching out our hearts.
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