Blessing and Obedience

I recently had the opportunity and privilege to spend some time with an old friend. We haven't spoken much over the past year, nor have we had much contact via email etc. While she was at my place I knew the Lord wanted me to wash her feet to honour her. I pondered it for a few minutes, knowing that if I didn't do it I'd really regret it later. I wanted to be obedient and bless her, so I interrupted an evening of (MUCH) laughing and conversation with others to ask her if I could do that.

And so, I washed her feet and prayed for her. For me it was a moment in time to show a woman who I love and respect that I value her deeply. That was a blessing. She prayed for me too... for exactly the things concerning me these days. How did she know? She has this intimacy going on with the Lord. She was able to speak a very timely word to me that encouraged me deeply.

I knew I would be blessed in my obedience. I didn't expect that blessing to be so immediate but it was there and it was huge. This experience was another reminder to me of God's desire to use relationships to bring the Kingdom to earth; our relationship with Him pours out into our relationships with others. Praise Him!

So this makes me examine my own life. Have I been drawing close enough to the Lord these days to allow Him to work more fully in my life in this way? How about you?