Missey's life and sudden death, has made us think about the things we tend to push aside and take for granted. I know it's made me look at my children and husband differently, and even though pain isn't something we enjoy, I've prayed that the Lord would not let me forget this pain... this uncomfortable feeling when I think about Missey's five children and husband, Tom.
Paula had an awesome post (that also won "Most Dramatic" in the Come Away With Me contest at Choosing Home) that she's granted me permission to share as a S.H.M.I.L.Y. Time. I've added a couple of things, so please stop by and read her post to see what she did, then read the S.H.M.I.L.Y. Time and decide what you'd like to do.
I know this will take a lot of us out of our "comfort zone", but I'd like to challenge wives to do this. When I read what Paula did, I cry everytime. I know that ever since I read it, I would feel bad if my husband left this earth and I'd never done it...
It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love. Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 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.
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. "You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you." John 13:1, 3-5, 12-14 (NIV)
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Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little." Luke 7:44-47 (NIV)
S.H.M.I.L.Y. Time:
- Find or make a card or note that conveys your love for your husband. Write the passage about Jesus washing the disciples' feet, as well as the passage about the woman washing Jesus' feet with her tears (written above).
- Warm a towel in the dryer and then prepare your bedroom with lit candles... the more the better (remember tea lights are cheap and this is just for "effect" so don't worry what they look like!).
- Put warm water (warm enough so it won't get cold right away) into a bowl (you could add oil to this as well if you'd like), get the warm towel out of the dryer and put each in the bedroom (make sure you've thought of where you'd like your husband... on the bed, sitting on a bench, ect).
- Give your husband the card/note.
- Bring your husband into the bedroom.
- Take off his socks/slippers and begin washing his feet. If you can speak, tell your husband how much you love him. Ask for forgiveness for the times you've had a wrong heart toward him. (Remember: the woman kissed Jesus' feet as well. You are not "worshipping your husband, but adoring him and there's nothing wrong with that!)
- Dry his feet with the towel. (For those of you who have long hair... put it to good use and wipe your husband's feet with it...)
- Take oil/lotion and rub your husband's feet... the sweet kisses would "fit in nicely" here as well.
I think this is a terribly intimate act. My heart aches when I think of not waking up to my husband's sweet face in the morning, or kissing his tender lips. When I'm in his embrace, I can't imagine it being the last time... and yet, Missey's husband is experiencing this kind of loss. Remember this and love your husband with great passion. We never know what will be our last moment.
• Jul. 7, 2006 - wow....
....for the reminder.
In Him, Beckie