Of all the Holy Days, Great Thursday (as it's called in the Orthodox Church) seems to be overlooked more often than not. I've never understood why. The most famous of betrayals occurred on this day.

But what really draws me to this day is the act of Christ washing the feet of His followers. It is not just the act of washing, it is the intimacy and humility of this particular deed and how others saw His actions.

Perhaps it is not as easily written as it is felt for me. Bear with me for a moment.

Christ gave of Himself to His disciples in a manner that some thought below Him. And, it was as much His actions as the reactions of those who received His ministrations that appeal to me.

As a nurse, tending to patients, it is sometimes not so much what I do as how it is seen by the patient. What one patient finds too intimate another may find it provides them some great comfort. Whether it is the washing of hair, face, or feet, each person has a threshold of intimacy. It's the same with family and friends.

I have had to step aside as my parents needed tending by a nurse or doctor. Most recently, since becoming a nurse, my own father asked me to step outside the room while a nurse helped him. Oddly enough, years ago, long before nursing crossed my mind in any serious capacity, I was the one who held a compression bandage in place after my dad's femoral catheter was removed following his angioplasty. What was the difference? Maybe age, or maybe it was his level of awareness of the events. Yes, the more recent incident occurred when he was definitely more awake.

As you go about life, you learn what is doable with some and off limits with others.

Religion and Faith aren't any different. What is comforting to one, is an affront to another.

The point is, in our every day actions and care, some people will take issue with our offerings and some will be grateful that we have taken the time to acknowledge their needs. We give as we can, hoping that our intentions are readily accepted. Some will see our actions as arrogant, others will see them as humble. No matter what, your intent should be pure and genuine, and you should always keep in mind how your offerings are received. Don't be afraid to give, be aware that not everyone will accept your gifts in the same way.

I think it's no coincidence that I took this photography on Great Thursday. As a nurse, as a daughter, as an Orthodox Christian, it makes perfect sense to me. I'm still coming to terms with personal thresholds, but I've learned much in life and it gets easier all the time. Especially when you have faith.