If you have had the indescribable experience of watching your child become a child of God, you have seen the best that this world has to offer. That is solely my opinion. If you have seen your child baptized into the body of Christ, you know the feeling. If you haven't, nothing can prepare you for the way your heart feels as if it is about to burst with joy. This is a day that I have thought about for at least 20 years. All of the common questions go through your mind. Will I teach them enough? Will they accept it? Will they find their own faith? Will they love God? Will they understand?...
I sat with my daughter many times discussing faith, baptism, heaven, God, Jesus, was she ready? She asked me how you know when you are ready. I told her the only answer God would give me--she would be the only one who would know. I would ask her every time if she thought she was ready yet. Every time, she said "no".
On Sunday morning, February 20, 2011, during the invitation song, I looked down the pew at my daughter and my heart skipped a beat. She looked into my eyes and I knew what she was thinking. She didn't walk out into the aisle and, in a way, I am glad she didn't. At 4 o'clock that afternoon, she came to me while Kevin and the boys napped and said, "Mom, I need to talk to you." I knew what was coming. She told me she was ready to be baptized tonight. She didn't ask me if I thought she was ready. She didn't ask me how you know. She didn't ask my permission. She told me it was time. We woke up a surprised Dad and he knew it was time too. She asked her daddy to baptize her. She wanted anyone to come who could come. She called her grandparents to ask them to be there. I texted all my family to let them know what would happen. As many people as could make it came. I could barely compose myself and I definitely couldn't stop smiling. :) I had the unbelievable privilege of getting it in pictures and on video (Thank you VERY much, Jami West!!!). After all, we tape the sermons. Why not tape the most important day in a person's life?
Dad (somehow) was able to lead singing through the entire service, knowing what would happen. The invitation came and she stepped out into the aisle and marched confidently down front to become a new person. There is so much more I want to say, but I will end for now. I guess for now I will just keep doing what I have been doing. It seems to have worked so far....
Dad always needs to prepare for the logistics before carrying anything out, but it all goes without a hitch, so I guess it is worth it. :)
Into the waters of baptism
Confession
Sins are washed away
A new child of God
My girl
Proud Papa
Of course, Collin Mac had to lead singing at some point. As usual, Byron was no where to be found.
