service.
This morning I got a call from a friend who said she had something she wanted to give me before my baby came… quincy invited her daughter to come over and play so she was going to come by. She showed up with tubes of soaps, lotions, exfoliators and the like and announced to me that she had come to rub my feet and legs. Mind you, this particular girl is pregnant herself, she had a head cold and several errands to run that she had mentioned to me. Of course, I was caught off guard, and tried to talk her out of such nonsense as her rubbing my feet… she would not take no for an answer, and although I felt really bad that she was rubbing my feet, she proceeded to fill a tub of water, gather a towel and make sure I was in a comfortable chair. Of course, it felt wonderful- my feet and legs certainly ache…and i tried desperately to relax through the guilt I was feeling for her performing this task. As she had just begun, my son cory (7) walked into the room and looked very confused and asked what was going on… she explained that she was rubbing my feet, and that this is what he should do for his wife when he grows up! Then cory said, “hey, isn’t that what Jesus did for his disciples?” immediately my eyes filled with tears, and so deeply was I touched and reminded of the importance of the simple, tender service that we can render to those around us. I was so humbled today by her generosity. And thankful. Julia…thank you.
Sophia Allison
28 July, 2006 at 1:30 amOMG such a sweet gesture from her. How awesome for you.
Kelly Rodgers
28 July, 2006 at 1:38 amWhat a beautiful lady. How lucky you are Heidi!
Jane
28 July, 2006 at 2:10 amWhat a beautiful gesture!! And how sweet of your son to make the comparison!!! What a beautiful moment!
Vee
28 July, 2006 at 2:17 amwhat a wonderful gift and moment
just awesome!
Missy
28 July, 2006 at 3:51 amWow … thank you so much for sharing this wonderful moment you had with your friend and son. It brought tears to my eyes.
Sarah
28 July, 2006 at 4:02 amSo wonderful to know that there are people in this world that still take the time to really show their love. What a caring thing to do! This story has inspired me to offer to do the same for a friend who is also pregnant and could use a little pampering! Thanks so much for sharing this sweet story, Heidi.
Cindy McDannold
28 July, 2006 at 4:30 amThe title of your blog was perfect. SERVICE. The giving of ones self. The highest gift a person can give. So glad you were able to accept with the love in which it was given. Your friend is truly an understanding woman.
DanniL
28 July, 2006 at 4:46 amA beautiful moment with friend and son. It brought a tear to my eye, too. Thank you so much for sharing such a precious moment.
jamie
28 July, 2006 at 5:33 amisn’t it funny and sad how we have such a hard time “receiving” as mothers…you said that you felt guilty…i can relate…and i think it’s important to practice just feeling grateful (which can be hard to do)…thanks for sharing this story and i am so glad that your son has looked up to the best role model there is…Jesus…it made me think about a lot:)
Lisa Russell
28 July, 2006 at 5:54 amSuch a good reminder. Out of the mouths of babes… Not much longer for you! Hang in there! We are thinking of you.
Charmaine
28 July, 2006 at 6:07 amTo all of the above : I say dito and Heidie you are blessed – you know the old saying : what goes around, comes around – you must be a good giver to receive such a good deed. And well done to Cory. South African greetings. xxx Stay peaceful.
Courtney
28 July, 2006 at 6:10 amwhat a blessing… the foot rub and the tender moment with your son. you heart must be full.
Court
melissa Adak
28 July, 2006 at 6:27 amDon’t you know a foot rub is better than sex!!!! I use to give my neighbor foot rubs while she was pregnant and also doing delivery. It does something to woman!! makes them relax and find inner strength to keep moving. Reflexology is powerful stuff. Even if you haven’t a clue as to what area’s you are working – it works. I am glad you let go and finally enjoyed a moment. You are a hard worker and then you added pregnancy – the biggest masterpiece of all to the list. YOU DESERVED that massage.
Diane
28 July, 2006 at 6:59 amWow! Heidi, your story brought tears to my eyes, too! You should be so proud of Corey for making that connection and proud of yourself for being such a wonderful mom. You DO deserve to be pampered! Thanks for sharing and blessings to you!
Ana Magloire
28 July, 2006 at 7:10 amOhhh! My eyes just got all teary… You have good friends. I have goosebumps. Thanks for sharing such an inspiring story. We very often forget that we are on this earth to serve.
Diane McVey
28 July, 2006 at 7:25 am“Ditto” to all the comments thus far!! A few years ago, a good friend of mine brought all the good stuff to my house to give my feet a treat on my birthday…it truly is the most memorable gift I have ever received…selfless, humbling, such a great experience! Bless Cory for his understanding! You should be so proud of him…I’m so glad this special friend did this wonderful service for you 🙂
Michelle Sanders
28 July, 2006 at 7:25 amOMG I think that is the sweetest thing I have ever heard come from a 7 year old boy’s mouth. I think I am close to tears! I can only hope that my little baby boy (due August 24) will be half the little man your Cory has become! And the sweet lady who came to rub your feet, that is just too much…wish I had some action like that!
Lynne
28 July, 2006 at 7:26 amI once asked my pedicurist what she enjoys about her job, and she gave the same answer as Cory! How sweet is that that your son is so in tune with such goodness… and that he really “gets it.” You’ve obviously done a very good job of raising him!
Danielle
28 July, 2006 at 7:27 amWOW, your friend Julia is a sweetheart and your son Cory is wonderful to have made the comparison!!!! WOW, what a great day for you!!!!
Kelly Goree
28 July, 2006 at 7:29 amwhat an amazing person and example…and how wonderful a person YOU are that your son recognized this act 🙂 You totally deserve it for all you do for everyone else, Heidi. I hope you enjoyed 🙂
Blessings….
Mary Ellen
28 July, 2006 at 7:46 amWow Heidi–What a special treat from a special friend….and the neatest thing is, because you were willing to be humble enough to let someone RUB your FEET (!), look at the moment that happened! WOW—what a neat memory–Thinkin’ here that you must SCRAP this! What a GREAT kid you have—:)Have a wonderful day…(Have you been looking at all those sweet little baby clothes yet?)
Mary Ellen
Karalynn Tyler
28 July, 2006 at 8:01 amWOW. I’m reading your entry with tears running down my face. It’s truely amazing of that woman to think of you and follow Christ’s example. (It could also be that I’m crying because my baby girl was just born and I a whole ball of emotions lately.) That was awesome that your son picked up on the Bibilcal connection. Bless you as you wait for baby Swapp.
Andrea
28 July, 2006 at 8:22 amPerfect.
Jolene George
28 July, 2006 at 8:24 amJesus and the desciples was the first thing that came to mind when I started reading your post. Julia obviously has a wonderful kind heart. I’m glad you let her do it. Sometimes our first instinct is to tell people no when they offer help, but I always try to remember that we don’t have the right to take away their desire to serve. Now both of you have reeped the blessings of service. //jolenegeorge.blogspot.com/
Ania
28 July, 2006 at 8:38 amThat sounds lovely – and how great is that to have friends like that? You’re lucky 🙂 Good luck with the upcoming personal event of yours 😀
psmullican
28 July, 2006 at 8:43 amCan you believe this is what the lesson I’m teaching on Sunday is about for my 4/5 graders? Really inspiring! What a sweet thing to do for you!
GinaEgg
28 July, 2006 at 8:45 amI immediately thought of Jesus and His disciples as I read your blog entry. What a sweet comparison for Cory to make (such a compliment for your friend), what a sweet thing for her to do for you – truly living Philippians 2:3-4 (do nothing out of selfishness or empty conceit but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourself…). And, ah…the thought of being 100 months pregnant and having my feet and legs rubbed, I know you were feeling good!!
Becky K
28 July, 2006 at 8:55 amWhat an amazing moment! I truly was touched by that experience. Thank you for sharing!
Shawnna / flipflopmom
28 July, 2006 at 9:08 amWOW — thank you for sharing – how wonderful is THAT!!!! awesome
Cindy
28 July, 2006 at 9:48 amI read your blog today, and was touched. I too am blessed to know Julia, and know that this type of service is the essence of who she is. Her never ending empathy for others and desire to serve are two of the things that I admire most about her. What a wonderful example!
Lorrie
28 July, 2006 at 10:32 amHow beautiful. And how touching that your son remembered the Bible story.
Rorie
28 July, 2006 at 11:45 amThat is so awesome! What a wonderful insight from your son too. Sometimes, it takes the innocence of a child to remind us of those things. 🙂
tara pollard pakosta
28 July, 2006 at 11:52 amthat;’s funny, because the first thing through my head, was i bet she is a christian….and she is doing service to you…ohw sweet! your son rocks!
tara
Tena
28 July, 2006 at 1:17 pmloved this story,thanks for sharing Heidi it made me think, it made my day! tena
Kimberly Cole
28 July, 2006 at 2:35 pmWow! Out of the mouths of babes. And what an amazing story to share. Thank you.
Suezi
28 July, 2006 at 5:51 pmthaks for sharing!! i love that and it makes it even better i am sure that as a parent your teachings and examples have made a mark on Corey’s heart!!!
Felecia
28 July, 2006 at 6:07 pmWhat an amazing testament to the caring and tenderness we can administer to one another through simple and uncomplicated gestures. Its so true that our most unforgettable gifts to others are usually about time and tenderness. Thanks for the inspiration!
Angela
28 July, 2006 at 8:58 pmWow, that just brought tears to my eyes. You are so blessed and so are your children for them to know and witness true selflessness!!!
Jenny U
28 July, 2006 at 9:04 pmAhhh Heidi you truly are blessed with good friends and great family. Can’t wait to hear the news that the new addition has arrived
LeAnn Fane
29 July, 2006 at 7:18 amWhat a sweet, sweet story. The story made me tear up. You have such a good friend. Thanks for sharing.
Alisa Logue
29 July, 2006 at 8:25 amThat is wonderful! You were doubly blessed. For one that your friend did something so heartfelt and also that your son (at such a tender age) recognized the significance of this. I had a pedicure just yesterday at our local beauty college and it turns out the girl who was assigned to me is an aquaintance from my church. I immidiately thought of the example our Lord gave to us of loving and caring for one another and humbling ourselves in the process. Such an amazing gift. God bless you and your little man, and your dear friend. -Alisa
~sharon
29 July, 2006 at 6:16 pmGod bless you, dh and Cory’s teachers for teaching him the humbling stories of Jesus. Warms the heart of Mom, I know. 😉
Nicole
30 July, 2006 at 5:44 amImmediately (even before you said your son said that) I thought of Jesus washing his disciples feet! How thoughtful of her!
Elise Blaha
30 July, 2006 at 10:50 pmwow.
awesome.
love to hear it.
Dee
31 July, 2006 at 3:59 amOk, I thought I was going to get thru that dry eyed, but no, Cory’s comment undid me too. How beautiful that someone should do that for you!
Hugs to you, beautiful pregnant lady!!
Dee
cherie
31 July, 2006 at 12:14 pmwhat a nice thing for her to do. Love what your son said what an amzing little boy he is !
Deanna Gemmer
31 July, 2006 at 2:06 pmWhat a sweet story, and what an amazing friend. When my husband and I were planning our wedding ceremony, we really wanted to focus on the theme of serving each other in our marriage. So instead of a unity candle or something similar, we washed each other’s feet as part of the ceremony. It really meant a lot to us to follow Jesus’ example.
LenaS
31 July, 2006 at 3:00 pmMy first thought–Jesus.
Second thought–in Japan to bow lower than someone is to show deep respect; one has to get very low to rub one’s feet. A lot of us scrapbookers have that much respect for you–how wonderful to see it in action! Thank you for sharing. Amazing act of kindness.
Third thought–I’d be freaking out since I haven’t shaved my legs!
Fourth thought–I hope your son never loses that love for God and his pure heart.
Last thought–thinking about you and praying for you. Godspeed for the new baby.
Laurie
1 August, 2006 at 8:03 amAwesome story!! I was thinking the same thing even before you got to Cory’s comment…that made me cry too! 🙂
ScrapScene
2 August, 2006 at 6:12 amHow sweet of your friend and such a cute little thing for your wee one to say about the disciples feet!!
Susan
3 August, 2006 at 12:43 pmCory! such a smart boy! such an act of love your friend did for you!
Lara Moss
8 August, 2006 at 1:20 amwow!
Jennifer Harkema
9 August, 2006 at 5:07 pmThat is awesome and brought tears to my eyes as well. What a wonderful thing to be reminded of and by a child. Thanks for sharing.