The wonder of His touch

The years go by, and we reflect in quiet moments on memories and loved ones. Loved ones who are no longer with us and loved ones who are intertwined in our lives.

I listened to a prayer meditation that recited the verses of Mary washing Jesus’s feet with costly perfume, her hair, and her tears. This was an awkward moment for those in the room but not for Mary and Jesus. Some rebuked her and, with indignation, said she could have used the money from the perfume to feed the poor. Conversely, Jesus encouraged her. He noted that the poor will always be with you, but I am with you now. She is preparing me for what is to come, Jesus remarked. (John 12: 1 -8)

So much wisdom in this scene.

My meditation poses questions, and I pondered the connection between the washing of Jesus’s feet by Mary to the Passover experience with Jesus and the disciples. Jesus washed the disciples’ feet to show them how to serve others. This was done days after Mary expressed her love to Jesus.

Did the disciples make the connection? Did they reflect on that scene and remember the words spoken and how they treated Mary? Did Jesus have multiple meanings in this act of love and service? Did He gain strength from her expression to love this rowdy bunch of men by washing their feet, even those of the one who betrayed Him for money and with a kiss? Jesus was perfect, and God’s will takes place regardless of how we feel. Jesus, in His perfection, experienced all of our emotions, too.

I thought of all the times someone’s actions encouraged me not only in the moment but also in future happenings that I purposefully and with great intention make connections with. You understand at that moment why you have the courage, love, and compassion to do what God is calling you to do.

My daughter sent a Facebook post from her Great Aunt Shirley with this wisdom. We miss her.

My mind and soul smile. “Follow where He leads, and you will be just fine.”

Where is God leading you today? What connections can you make to those who bring you comfort and wisdom to face challenges or notice the beauty around you? My mind floods with connections that bring me great joy and gratitude.

Today is sweet Levi’s birthday. He is one year old! Levi is my son-in-law’s brother’s child. Also, on this day, when my son-in-law was in middle school, his father passed away. Connections to life and love along with loss. The family shared that on this day, their dogwood bloomed with pink flowers. Previously, they were not pink. The change in color was a memory of love and connection for them. Others have shared such memories with me –happenings in nature and events that provided comfort and reassurance. In fact, I came back to add to this space. My husband read the post and said, “My dad passed away on April 4 when I was in college.” “On the way to the hospital, it snowed.” If you read this from Virginia, where the weather is in the 80s and sunny, you will recognize the miracle of a snow day.

A picture of Parish’s father when he was a young man. He was probably the same age as Parish when Parish experienced the passing of his father.

Recognize the why behind your actions. Like Mary, love with great expression because you are loved by the One who expressed His love for you in such an outlandish act of love–the cross and resurrection. His very life.

God can give us the compassion to love like Jesus did the night he washed the feet of the disciples. We can love ourselves –visualizing Jesus washing our feet. We can be filled and love others with our lives through time, provisions, and words of encouragement.

So here is my song to you, my beautiful friend. A song that I’ve played since the 1990s when it came out. Oh, isn’t this our story? The wonder of His touch! I’m giving back to Him all the praise He is worthy of! Pour out the oil. Let it flow like a river knowing you are filled with His goodness, love, and grace.