The Maundy Thursday service was held in a darkened room. John and I were the music team, having ping ponged in our separate directions all day. This was the first time in twenty four hours that we sat next to one another. 

After the minister offered the bread and wine and blessed each person he stooped to wash the feet of a friend. Then he invited anyone to either take off their shoes as an invitation to be washed, or to fetch a pitcher and wash the feet of someone they love. 

While John and I crooned quietly I watched the soft movement of people who chose to participate. One man brought a bowl and soft towel to his wife, and gently slid off her shoes. He lovingly splashed warm water over her feet, perhaps thinking of all the walking she had done that day. She smiled at him. Anther husband carried fresh water to his wife, and humbled himself at her side. It was very tender. Two more couples joined in the sweet ritual, serving one another in a way that echoes the life of One who came to serve. 

Marriage is about humility. Finding ways to keep one another fed, and warm is a kind of worship. When I fall for the illusion that they are tasks to check off a list, I forget that John's neediness is my engraved invitation to become a servant. And in that act I would be in excellent company.