Stinky Feet

Little One gets to participate in Vacation Bible School for the first time this year. In the past she has been in a nursery setting so being with the preschool-kindergarten class is new for her.

The first night was going pretty well until she saw me in the snack area. She latched onto me and they had to peel her off. It wasn't pretty. Of course, she got over it quickly, but it was hard for me to listen to her cry.

Last night, I made sure she didn't see me. My plan was to go to a different area of the church when her group came to the snack area. She came a little earlier than I expected so suddenly I was ducked down behind a counter in the kitchen. They distracted her long enough for me to crawl out the door.

Last night when we were praying and getting ready for bed I asked her what she learned about. She said, "Jesus set out chairs".

I asked, "What did he do with the chairs?"

"He washed feet," she said.

"Why did he wash people's feet?" I said.

"Because they are dirty." she told me in a tone that said, duh mom. "But mine didn't get clean, they are still stinky."

She is only three so I don't expect her to understand all the stories. However, somehow I always learn something through her innocent little observations.

I know that I have days that I think to myself. Jesus has washed me clean, but I am still a little stinky.

If only I could be washed clean and not let the world get me dirty. I always try to start my day with a clean record. Most mornings I start my day with a devotional time and I spend some time writing and reading. Then little one wakes up. . .most mornings are pretty smooth, but on occasion I lose my patience before 9:00 am. (got a little dirt on my face). Then I try to get #1 and #2 out of bed. Sometimes that isn't pretty. Our mornings usually go by rather quickly. Then the kids will start to fight, I will start to yell, (now I am a little more dirty). Next thing you know I am in a conversation with a girlfriend and our concerns for others sometimes get a little closer to gossip, (a little more mud here and there). My husband comes home from work and wonders what is for supper or he has had a bad day, I snap at him, (now I need a shower).

Today I am going to focus more on leaning on God and less on relying on myself. It is still quiet in my house so I am doing pretty good so far. I am new every morning and I am so thankful for that. I want Jesus to wash me clean and I want to stay that way. Why is that so difficult sometimes?

Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him." Lamentation 3:22-24