Washing
Feet and Flipping Pancakes
By Peggy Kleckner
“…so he [Jesus] got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.”
John 13:4-5 (NIV)
By Peggy Kleckner
“…so he [Jesus] got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.”
John 13:4-5 (NIV)
What
a picture the above verse brings to mind. The teacher humbly serving His
students during the last meal they would share together before Jesus’ arrest
and crucifixion. He goes on to explain that in doing this, He was setting the
example for His disciples to follow…an example of servant leadership. So, what
would that look like today? Have you seen a leader washing feet lately?
I haven’t seen a leader washing feet, but I have seen one flipping pancakes! It was a cold Monday morning. My start time at work is later than most of the other employees. I came in the back door, walked down the hall, turned the corner and headed for the time clock when I saw tables set up in the hallway. And, behind the first one was the CEO of our company. In fact, he was the only one behind the table. He was stirring the pancake batter, pouring it out and flipping pancakes on and off of the griddle. What a wonderful surprise! Hot, fresh pancakes on a Monday morning. Our leader seemed quite at ease and happy with the work. I asked him why we were being treated to pancakes and he said they were a thank you to the employees. Work had been a bit tough lately…hours had been shortened and some perks had to be cut as the company tries to weather the unsteady winds of the economy. Apparently, he saw this as a way to encourage us. There was no prior “hoopla” about how management was going to cook for us. It wasn’t even a team effort. It was just one man’s way of saying, “We’re in this together.” It was his way of making the workday a bit brighter than expected.
Looking on this scene, I couldn’t help but think of Jesus wrapped in a towel washing the disciples’ feet. My leader chose an apron and pancake batter, but he was still serving.
What about us? Are we willing to don an apron or a towel to be a servant leader to those around us?
GOING DEEPER:
1. Who in your life do you recognize as a servant leader? How does that person demonstrate this kind of leadership?
2. How can you be an example of servant leadership to those around you?
FURTHER READING:
Matthew 20:25-28; Philippians 2:1-11
Peggy is a wife and mother of four adult children - - two sons and two stepsons, and is an active encourager at Oakwood Church in Delafield. She serves as the Coordinator of Fresh Start.
I haven’t seen a leader washing feet, but I have seen one flipping pancakes! It was a cold Monday morning. My start time at work is later than most of the other employees. I came in the back door, walked down the hall, turned the corner and headed for the time clock when I saw tables set up in the hallway. And, behind the first one was the CEO of our company. In fact, he was the only one behind the table. He was stirring the pancake batter, pouring it out and flipping pancakes on and off of the griddle. What a wonderful surprise! Hot, fresh pancakes on a Monday morning. Our leader seemed quite at ease and happy with the work. I asked him why we were being treated to pancakes and he said they were a thank you to the employees. Work had been a bit tough lately…hours had been shortened and some perks had to be cut as the company tries to weather the unsteady winds of the economy. Apparently, he saw this as a way to encourage us. There was no prior “hoopla” about how management was going to cook for us. It wasn’t even a team effort. It was just one man’s way of saying, “We’re in this together.” It was his way of making the workday a bit brighter than expected.
Looking on this scene, I couldn’t help but think of Jesus wrapped in a towel washing the disciples’ feet. My leader chose an apron and pancake batter, but he was still serving.
What about us? Are we willing to don an apron or a towel to be a servant leader to those around us?
GOING DEEPER:
1. Who in your life do you recognize as a servant leader? How does that person demonstrate this kind of leadership?
2. How can you be an example of servant leadership to those around you?
FURTHER READING:
Matthew 20:25-28; Philippians 2:1-11
Peggy is a wife and mother of four adult children - - two sons and two stepsons, and is an active encourager at Oakwood Church in Delafield. She serves as the Coordinator of Fresh Start.
