Dripping Water and Guiding Stars

I listened to the dripping water as my mother squeezed the wash cloth into the wash basin. I thought of my Sunday school teacher’s story about the time Jesus washed his disciples feet. Words of consolation, encouragement and hope drifted in the evening air.

On our way home summer’s blue-white star, Vega, hung brightest in the starry night. Front porch swings, now empty of visiting neighbors, were gently swaying in the south breeze. It seemed the majestic beauty of the night sky and all the stars were pronouncing a blessing on us.

Today, as I crochet wash cloths I remember that night with my mother. As I count stitches I think about the Savior pouring water into a basin and washing the disciple's feet. How perplexed they were, the master was washing their feet. In the last hours of his earthly life he taught service and humility, admonishing the twelve to follow his example.

Today when we give service we are symbolically washing the Savior's feet. As we follow his example we give something that only we can give -- ourselves. It is then we find ourselves and truly know who we are, becoming one with the Savior.

To my Promise Land mothers who left a lasting legacy, we honor you. Your example is our guiding star and we will always revere your memory.

I remember one evening after supper, when a child, I tagged along with my mother as she left our home to visit a sick neighbor. Our neighborhood, referred to as The Promise Land, was located on the shores of Bogue Sound, in Morehead City, NC. At the end of the sidewalk, our route took us down an alley to the shore where a modest home stood. A cool, welcoming breeze drifted across the sound. The mockingbirds had finished their songs for the day and nestled down in the trees along the street.

Entering the home, my mother instructed me to wait in the living room as she collected items needed for bathing our neighbor. Soon I heard laughter and then low, soft voices praying, changing the sick room into a sanctuary.