WE ARE BROKEN

I found this pitcher and basin last summer at a garage sale. I also found the piece of fabric I serged to make a tablecloth at another garage sale. As I was cleaning the stored things out of the craft/guest bedroom, I decided to bring these items out and make a Lent tablescape. I had originally thought wildflowers would be in the pitcher. But I knew when I brought it out that it must be filled with Easter lilies.

When I see a pitcher and basin it brings to mind foot washing. I can envision the aching love and humility of the Christ as he poured water into a basin and began to wash the feet of the disciples. I remember the admonishment from Christ to Peter as he was denying Christ the act of washing his feet. He said, "if I don't wash you, you can't be part of what I'm doing." He told Peter that his act of foot washing would be also the act we would all be called to do as his disciples.

The other Biblical scene that comes to mind with foot washing is that of Mary washing Jesus' feet with her tears and hair. Hair down, walking into a room full of peopl; kneeling and washing Jesus' feet was quite scandalous. Yet, it was an act of great love preparing Jesus for his death. She risked judgment to enter there and show him that he was her treasure.

This song was one I wrote ten years ago, yet I can still hardly sing it without tears collecting in my eyes. I am again convicted with the humility we must have to accept what Christ did for us. My heart is indeed broken in this season in remembrance of Christ walking out the steps leading to his crucifixion.

WE ARE BROKEN
By Connie Wisman copyright 2001

WE ARE BROKEN, YES WE ARE;
MY JAR, AND ME, AND YOU.
WHY IS IT THAT THEY CANNOT SEE
THE THING YOU GO TO DO?
MY LIFE WILL NEVER BE THE SAME AGAIN
BECAUSE OF TIME I SPENT WITH YOU.

LET ME PREPARE YOU FOR THE WOUNDS;
DON’T KNOW HOW I’LL BEAR THE LOSS!
LET ME WASH YOUR FEET WITH MY TEARS AND HAIR,
AS I CONCEDE YOU TO THE CROSS.

AS YOU GO TO MEET THE FATHER,
TAKE MY LOVE AND OIL IN FULL MEASURE.
I LONG TO HEAR YOUR EVERY WORD.
YOU ARE MY ONLY EARTHLY TREASURE!

DESTITUTE, UNDONE, AND IN LOVE
IS HOW SHE CAME.
EVEN THE DISCIPLES
ONLY SAW HER WASTE AND SHAME.

SHE COULD SEE HE WAS GOING TO HIS DEATH;
SHE DID THINGS OUT OF FASHION.
THE BUSY AND RELIGIOUS
DID NOT SHARE HER CHILD-LIKE PASSION.

WE ARE BROKEN, YES WE ARE;
MY JAR, AND ME, AND YOU.
WHY IS IT THAT THEY CANNOT SEE
THE THING YOU GO TO DO?
MY LIFE WILL NEVER BE THE SAME
BECAUSE OF TIME I SPENT WITH YOU.