Hi everyone, I don't think this got through the first time I sent it. (?) How are you all?
Two of my sons and I are eating pizza at the table on Maundy Thursday night. I almost went to a footwashing service at the local Anglican church but was too shy; itâs at those sparsely attended functions that you stand out most as a newcomer. It would probably be a good lesson, though, for both my Anglican counterpart and me to wash the feet of a pure stranger, as well as to be washed by one, and regard each other as Christ. Aaron who is 10 and loves black olives explains between bites how his class took the Easter assembly in school today. Among other things they re-enacted the Last Supper, and Aaron says he was chosen as the likeliest candidate to play Judas. Before I can worry properly about the psychological effects he might suffer from this, he adds, ââbecause of my evil grin,â and demonstrates. He looks only like a moderately cunning leprechaun, but I agree aloud that his grin is truly malevolent. Then I remember that we are all Judas anyway, and John the Beloved, and Peter--first pulling his feet under his robe with his hands tightly over his toes, and then begging Jesus for a bath and being told he is already clean. And here we are, expected to be Christ to each other! I probably should have gone to the footwashing.
Blessed Eastertide to everybody.
Debbie
Zeal repents
Oh, Jesus, I blew it!
how did I do it:
got soap in their eyes,
itâs their feet Iâm supposed to be washing. Help me
help to keep this improbable bond;
with those tears on my towel,
to fetch fresh water,
and walk back the basin.
God, let me do this good.
Yes and thank you Debbie for the words. What the Spirit has been teaching me this pre-season finds me appreciating the Easter event as I have never done before.
The Message of hope as found in Col 1:17-23 is profound and exciting. I shared this message with my middle boy, Dr. James Smithson, and he kept me on the line for over an hour. He wants to know more. And my oldest, Chad Smithson, the lawyer, is coming to a point in his life RIGHT NOW when this message of hope, the fact of reconciliation and the purpose it presents for him is something that speaks to his heart ..... a two hour discussion there.
Plus -- I discovered a "new" evangelistic tool today taking my sweet heart out for lunch .................... the tool of evangelism ??? Oh yes, well, after about a half hour of sharing the Pauline idea of reconciliation as found in Col 1:21, 22 with Kathy, I realized that three tables to my immediate right (that would be your left) were not eating, but listening !!!!!! Holy Moly. I am going to hire someone to listen to me, and start visiting cafe's here in Fresno. Want a job Billy T ???
Anyway ------------ it is a great time of year dispite the present distress in Florida.
God bless all with opening eyes and receiving hearts.
John PeeDaddy Smithson
