I grew up in a church that practiced this after each time we had communion.  The women would go to another room and the men would stay in the sanctuary.  I remember wondering who I would pair up with this time.  Would I hold my partner's foot in the right place as I was washing it? Would I use the right amount of water?  Would I touch the foot the right amount and would I wash too quickly or take too long?  Would I have the towel in the appropriate place as I was washing his feet? (Draped across my leg)  As I grew older I was able to do it for more of the purpose it was intended - a demonstration of being willing to serve and be served, an actual demonstration of giving love (from a low position) and receiving love (from a higher position). 

Since we knew ahead of time when we would be washing feet, I think most people made sure their feet were as "presentable" as possible, i.e., clean, toenails clipped, etc.  Wouldn't want to be caught having one's feet washed when they were dirty!  :) 

Of course we can make anything Jesus said to do into a form that is done for its own sake with little or no substance in it.  That has mostly to do with one's mindset.  Any form can be made into something that substitutes for the substance - its just so much easier.  We can do it and check it off our list.

In this situation I can identify a bit with Peter.  "No way are you going to do this to me!"  To sit there and receive loving ministry from the Incarnate God was just a little more than he could handle.  Called for breaking down a whole lot of pride and his preconceptions of how a "Master" and "Lord" acts.

I suppose we spend all our lives trying to learn the lesson that Jesus was living out here.  That we can give up the struggle to "be" someone and just serve others, from whatever position that requires.  In fact, it may be easier to think of God as someone who is way Above and Beyond us, Holy and Unreachable, than it is to think of him as someone who notices the most simple down-to-earth acts of service that are usually done by someone we take for granted, and does them himself.  Perhaps to be like him is easier than we like to think!

There's a fair chance someone will be wiping my behind someday.  I can't imagine.  Makes having a really, really bad accident sound appealing! 

"There is no task that is below me."  Sound true?  If we are able to put ego concerns aside, then anything becomes possible.  And we become part of God's way of transforming the world.

"Lord Jesus, I know in order to love others well I need to surrender to your love for me that allows me to taste and feel your gentleness as you see after the dirt I've accumulated.  I'd like to be able to willingly and gratefully offer you my 'dirty feet', and also offer myself to give and receive from others in the same way. Would you help me?  Thanks.  Amen"

Sheldon Swartz, M.A, LMFT works with individuals, couples, and families to identify the ways of life and death in their lives and help uncover the motivation to choose that which leads to life, whether it be through counseling or spiritual direction.