Feet
I deal with feet every day. As a pedorthist I see feet differently than most people. I can determine a lot about a person by their feet. The kind of life they’ve seen, whether pampered or neglected. The types of physical maladies they suffer from are numerous. But the true nature of feet and the story they tell belong only to the owners of the bodies they are attached to.
The only story of feet I can fully understand are my own. Feet carry us everywhere we go in life. When they hurt, our whole body hurts. And when they feel great we feel great. I have never pampered myself and had a pedicure; however, I have heard from several family members and friends that there is no better feeling in the world. I imagine that to be a bit of an exaggeration as I am sure there are some better feelings in the world, however, it does tempt me and I might just break down one day and try it. As funny as it seems, although I deal with feet all the time, I am very private about my own and don’t think I would like somebody messing with them.
My feet have taken me places that I never thought I would go. I have been blessed to have travelled a lot and still have a lot of places to go. All the happiest times I have had in my life my feet have taken me to. And all the people that I love and cherish are brought to me by their feet.
One of the most amazing times a parent experiences are those first steps taken by those tiny feet across a room to you. I know that when my son Joshua took his first steps, as excited as I was, I didn’t see the significance of his feet. Now, that his feet have carried him to the other side of this great country of ours, I do.
My feet have taken me places where I never wanted to go. To airports carrying loved ones far away. To hospital rooms to see loved ones suffering. To nursing homes so see the loneliness of those left there. To funeral homes to say goodbye.
My feet have carried me into the lives of many and out of the lives of some. Friendships were gained….friendships were lost…..and the wheels of the bus go round and round. I have had many good friends walk into my life who have seen me through some gut wrenching experiences that I wouldn’t wish on anyone. I have also had many friends whose feet have taken them in other directions leaving me feeling abandoned and betrayed.
I’ve come to learn that God knows what we need in each season of our lives and provides. But true friends, really true friends, do not leave. Their feet keep on carrying them back to you no matter what. And your feet carry you to them to share in their joys, their sorrows their hopes and dreams, their expectations and disappointments.
As I look back on some of my experiences involving patients, I know that I have been sent to each one for a purpose. I truly believe that no encounter is coincidental. I have prayed, wept, held, laughed and cheered at the feet of my patients. Some I get to see year to year and some I may only see once in a lifetime, but I can tell you that there is something humbling to be at the feet of a person who needs a prayer or a kind word or even a hug.
Each morning during my devotional time I pray that God will send me where I can make a difference. To those who may need someone to share good news with or who may need a kind word. Some just need a good cry. I deal mostly with elderly folks so I might be the only voice they hear that day that is not through some electronic means. I love my job.
So, the next time you slip on socks or shoes, remember that your feet will not only make a difference in your day, but make a difference in the life of someone else.It’s no coincidence that Jesus washed feet in order to show us how to serve each other. Sometimes all we need to do is pick up the basin and towel and be there.
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