Sunday, February 22, 2009

Baptism


Wednesday eve the 14yr old asked me to take her to see several of her friends get baptized. I was really tired and just wanted to collapse into a chair. I felt pretty lame I was so unmotivated to drive my daughter to a Wednesday night church service. I asked my husband to come so we could be together for the eve but he was busy in his office and didn’t want to interrupt his work. I felt crabby about going without him.
On the drive to the church my daughter announced “I was planning to get baptized myself this evening but I’m not going to do it now because I don’t feel well. My name is even in the program for tonight. I was surprised but commented “Dad would be sad to miss seeing you do something as important as baptism.” We arrived at the church and she ran off into the crowd of teens. I found a friend to sit with.
The service was amazing. 40 kids up on the platform sharing how they had made a decision to give their lives to Christ and be baptized was encouraging and inspiring. The youth pastor announced to the audience that if anyone in the group would like to be baptized tonight to just come forward. I had this flash of a thought that my daughter just might go ahead with being baptized even though her dad was not here to enjoy the moment.
One by one the kids entered the water and were immersed. It looked like the last of the kids had been baptized when I looked up and thought “who that is in the water.” It was my daughter. Just for a moment I was sad because her dad was not there. Then to my absolute surprise I looked to see who was in the water with her and it was my husband speaking the words. A_____ because of your profession of faith I baptize you. What a huge blessing. My daughter had not only decided to be baptized but she called her dad at home in his office and asked him to come to church and baptize her tonight. This moment was truly a blessing. I didn’t need a camera this is a moment I will remember for my whole life.

4 comments:

  1. This is so beautiful! Thank you for sharing. I have goose bumps!

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  2. I was so sad when she texted me to tell me that I had missed her baptism. Its just like her to make such a big choice without making a stink about it. I wish I could have been there but I am so happy she did it.

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  3. Im sorry you missed it too, but I am glad she realizes that this step is between her and God and not only important because of who is witnessing the step. Im sure Nana would have liked to be there too.

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  4. We had a prety long textin gconversation the night before about what it ment and who she should have baptise her. Im so glad that she is moving and being drawn closer to the Lord. A "Yes" to my prayers.

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