My friend, Susi, has the most beautiful feet. Now, you may think that an odd thing to say, but if you could see mine, you would understand why I appreciate a nice pair of tootsies. No matter what I do—soak, scrape, pumice, cheese grate, or lotion these puppies, I have, without a doubt, some of the roughest ones on this planet. But I do have nice hands…and incredibly strong nails. And I have been complimented on my hair. (I’ve been blessed with a great streak of white in the middle of my head.) But those feet, they often make me so self-conscious. What a silly thing! Right?
But we all do it. It might not be your feet, but your body shape—it’s too small, too big, too flat, too round, not enough of this and too much of that—when side-by-side with the mannequin models we hold ourselves up to in comparison. What ends up happening then is that we land in the “I wish” aisle of life. I wish I had her smile. I wish I were as cute as she is or I wish I were younger, had perfect teeth, no tummy, a bigger butt, longer legs, etc., etc., etc. What a dilemma.
But truly, who are those that we really admire and love? It’s usually not the great beauties or those that look a million years younger than they really are, but those who live and love, giving of themselves with the greatest of abandon to those who are hurting or are in great need.
To look at a few of the well-known—St. Francis of Assisi, Mother Teresa, Florence Nightingale, Elizabeth Fry, Helen Keller, William Wilberforce, and William Boot. But what about those, who in the everyday corners give and give and give again? Those who are nameless to the pop culture world, but to those who are hurting, they are angels of mercy.
Scripture says that God looks at the heart. We may get swept off our feet in the flurry of the moment, the mad rush of fame, lights, camera, and action, but don’t we really look up to those who are selfless and loving, to those with the greatest heart of a servant? And if that’s the case, why aren’t we looking to Jesus, God’s Son, the greatest servant of all? He gave His life, so that we could take on the mantle and be called sons and daughters of the Most High.
So what about those feet? How beautiful are the feet of them that bring good news. (See Isaiah 52:7.) That Scripture refers to the Good News of the Gospel, but I also think it could, in addition, encompass those who love with His selfless love every minute of everyday.
Kimberly
Author of Mr. Zip and The Capital Z
