Certain thoughts are prayers. There are moments when, whatever be the attitude of the body, the soul is on its knees. ~Victor Hugo
What I've Learned: The Biggest Moments Are Often Rooted in Simple Decisions.
The first thing I will remember, dear Reader, about this--my Baptism Day--is the fading heat of a 90-degree summer afternoon and the scent of a hundred lilacs in the air. I will remember how, after days of being anxious, all the nervousness I felt melted away the moment I stepped inside the church. I will remember bouncing with joy and meeting everyone with a smile as I took it all in. I'll remember my family all being there and holding the hand of a dear friend who was also baptized today. Most of all, I will remember stepping down into that pool on the stage where Pastor Pete and I talked while my Faith Story was read aloud to the congregation. Then Pastor Pete took my arm and dipped me beneath the water, cleansing me of all my sins and signifying that I am now a new creation before God.
It was some weeks ago, after attending the last water baptism service at Christ Community, that I knew it was time for me to publicly declare my faith by getting in the water. Having made the decision to accept Christ as my savior in February, this was a tangible act of obedience I knew I needed to do. Neither of these decisions were arrived at lightly--it took something like six years of seeking before I really understood what being a Christ-follower meant and that I wanted to have a personal relationship with Jesus.
But once I knew that, the two biggest decisions of my life were eerily simple to make and resulted in huge moments of humility, awe and indescribable gratitude.
Reader, there are few things more joyful than acts committed in total confidence because you know you've made the right decision. I can't describe how this experience feels--it is something each of us has to decide for ourselves. But when it's right, there is no doubt. No anxiety. No regret. Only the most amazing peace and God's promise of everlasting life. Makes for a pretty darn good day.
God enters by a private door into each individual. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
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Wish I could have been there! But reading your lovely account is the next best thing.
ReplyDeleteI wish you could have been too! It would have been perfect then. :-) In the meantime, I shall have to come out to Raleigh for a weekend visit sometime soon.
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