Washing Maria's feet

John 13:14-17 - "Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set an example that you should do as I have done for you".
Maria is one of the most pleasant women I have ever met. She comes into the clinic twice a week to have her bandages changed due to an ulcer that was once so big no one thought she would still have her leg today. Maria sought help for several years for this ulcer - as it grew bigger and bigger as well as more painful. No one could help her. She finally started coming to El Buen Pastor where the doctors were wiling to see what they could do with the ulcer that was eating away at her leg and foot. With some donations from the United States, they began working on healing Maria. I was not working at the clinic when Maria first came in, but I have heard the stories and now see the suprise on the faces of the staff who have been with Maria from the start.
What amazes me in regard to Maria's story, however, is my friend Yadira's servant nature. She has been working with Maria since the beginning, lovingly washing her feet and her wounds and caring for her with a smile on her face. This does not seem so amazing unless I could also describe for you the smell that this ulcer creates when the bandages come off. Most of the staff go running because it is very difficult to be around, but not Yadira. She walks right in the room, always with a smile on her face like she was smelling the most pleasant smell in the world. While others wait for the bandages to be replaced and the smell to subside, Yadira lovingly cares for Maria. Every time I see this interaction, I am reminded of Jesus washing the disciples feet. I'm sure that after walking around in the dust and dirt all day, the disciples' feet did not smell clean and fresh. But Jesus lovingly did a task that to other's seemed "beneath" him. As God's children, we are called to serve others as Jesus did. I am thankful for my reminder of this twice a week as I watch (and sometimes assist) Yadira washing Maria's feet and I am learning from her to serve as Jesus did.