Naked, Gnarled, and Beautiful

Naked, Gnarled, and Beautiful

     A feeling of warmth and panic rose simultaneously as the Humble One’s words floated to my ears.  She had posed a question that I desperately wanted to answer “yes” to, but instead there was silence.  Moments slipped by.  The sun was just starting to warm the earth after a long, gray Spring.  My skin was beginning to warm under the bright rays as I sat there bare-legged and shoeless.  The plastic smell of the new cushions slowly filled my head.  Suddenly, realizing that moments were lapsing, I turned my eyes to hers.  I realized she was waiting patiently for my response.  Turning my eyes away, I heard myself answer, “Okay.  Are you sure you want to do this?”  She didn’t wait for my questioning.  Instantly, she sprang up and bounded toward the house.

     Moments turned into minutes as I waited for her return.  My thoughts were racing all over the inside of my heart.  “Something has changed in me.  A year ago, I would’ve really wanted to say “Yes, please” but I would’ve ended up declining this gift being offered to me through the hands of the gentle one.  Today though, I was able to barely whisper a quiet, simple “Okay”. 

     Behind me the backdoor squeaks open, then slams.  The Humble One emerges carrying a metal tub of fresh, warm water; lavender oil; and two carefully rolled white towels.  I feel myself relax. My ears take in an slight sigh, but she does not notice.  She folds herself down onto the grass, as agile as a young fawn and I place my dusty, twisted, red toe-nailed feet into the water.  The sacredness of this moment races directly to my soul.  She reaches into the tub and gently takes one of them in her hands.  As she begins washing and massaging my foot, her words are barely audible to my human ears, but seem to be coming through a loudspeaker in my heart.  Her words are beautifully strung together and seem to rise directly from the depths of her being straight to Abba’s ears.  She is speaking to her Father and I am aware that this is an unexpected gift that will leave an indelible mark on my heart forever.  As I breathe in, I can feel a warmth rising inside of me.  The panic is gone.  I am grateful for growth and the Humble One’s patience for my answer.

     Thank you Lord for the gift of this Humble One and her hands of grace and mercy being used by you, to touch a girl like me.

 

~The Plank-Eyed Girl