Service

“After he had washed the feet of his disciples, Jesus said to them: ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him….’” (John 13:16-17).

Christ Washes Peter's Feet (Unknown)

There is so much temptation in power.

Parents who have power over their children also have the opportunity to make decisions that could ruin their children’s lives.  Think of a mother.  If the mother chooses to consume drugs and alcohol during her pregnancy, she can cause life-long health implications for her child.  If she is irresponsible with her person during pregnancy, her child may be endangered in the same way that she herself is endangered.  If a father decides that he will not work hard to support his family or will not provide emotional and physical safety in his home for his family, his family might not be able to have the necessities in life and will suffer.  And the mother and the father have power over their children.

And I have been thinking about what a good mother and a good father should do.  Because when you think of a good parent, I think of a parent who serves their children.  This is not to say that children never learn to respect their parents or to help the, but it is to say that parents consider their child’s needs ahead of their own and in this way they are able to make sure that their children are well taken care of.  For example, a child might need to learn to be responsible.  And therefore, the parent will provide opportunities to give their child chores so that their child can grow in responsibility.  And this might mean that the child might fight with their parents a little more because they are testing the limits of the responsibilities placed upon them.  But a good parent will make sure that they continue to enforce those boundaries in service to their child.

“After he had washed the feet of his disciples, Jesus said to them: ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. I am not speaking of you all; I know whom I have chosen; it is that the scripture may be fulfilled.’” (John 13:16-20).

And I have been reflecting on that.  Because a true leader serves their followers.  And even when things are terrible and it is difficult or unpopular to make the decisions that they are making, a true leader continues to make those decisions because they are concerned with what is best of their followers.

And I have been thinking about that today as I have been thinking about my children because it seems to me that I have been given an opportunity to make decisions – as a leader of my family – so that my children can grow closer to God.  And – even more – I have been invited to reflect on the service of my God while I do it, because He does everything with my best interests at heart…

For with prayer, I stand on Holy Ground where everything is clear. Here. At the Foot of the Cross.