We are now the parent to 9 beautiful children, such sweet blessings from God. As we have come to know with our original 4, as much as we work with our children in their weaknesses, we too are being transformed in our own weaknesses. Children are blessings in so many fun ways. They remind us to enjoy the smaller, simpler things in life. They remind us to slow down and enjoy the journey... And so much more. And they also help us see more of our own weaknesses. It is this part of the blessing that we fear but we also most enjoy because once our weakness is revealed, God can take the lead in areas we haven't let Him touch. With 9 children and a fresh adoption, we know that trying times lay ahead, but we are encouraged to know that in the most difficult of times, there will be good that comes through - God's good, and that is the most fulfilling kind of good.
I had forgotten about these things from our morning discussion until we returned from our visit at the orphanage. I immediately came in and washed my feet. The roads and walkways here are mostly or partially dirt and gravel, and my sandals and feet get very dirty as we walk about. As I removed my sandals, lifted my feet to the pretty white sink, only to watch it turn dark brown from the dirt, my mind thought of when Jesus washed His disciples feet. You can read it in John 13:
4 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist.
5 After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”
7 Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”
8 “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.”
Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.”
9 “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!”
10 Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.”
11 For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean.
12 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them.
13 “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am.
14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.
15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.
16 Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.
17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.
Jesus said, "Unless I wash you, you have no part with me" and "Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them." As I so wanted the dirt off of my feet, in the same way He wants the dirt out of my life; the weaknesses that block His effectiveness in my life need to go. The disciples were blessed to have the Master washing their feet, cleaning them from the inside out. Then they were told to do the same. I too am blessed to have such sweet children and a Godly husband to walk with as the tough days approach and my weaknesses are revealed. As we journey together, God will wash me from the inside out. In the same way, we will wash each other and lovingly guide each other in the ways of the Lord.