Baptism Sunday

We have been trying to go to church regularly over the last 6 months or so, and have really enjoyed the peace and perspective that comes from each sermon. Many people are busy baptizing their babies, but this day it was for me. Since having Matthew my spiritual journey has been one of great joy. I can't imagine how a person can hold their baby in their arms and take in every inch of their precious bodies and sweet souls and not be in awe of God's work. I feel like Matthew is a beautiful gift from God. God has gifted and entrusted Matthew to us and I know it will be my life's work to see that he grows to be a boy who is of good character, that uses his talents to serves the Lord and do His work. How can I expect my son to grow follow Christ's example without having a positive example in front of him and in our home? I grew up in a church that baptizes babies and then offers confirmation as a youth. I never heard of adults being baptized until my sister was in college. Since moving on to other churches and listening to scripture that others have shown me I have come to understand that being baptized as a baby is a gesture more for the parents and a commitment to raise a child in the Christian faith. Making one's own decision about baptism is what really matters, in addition to accepting God's grace and choosing to live a life that is Christlike. So last Sunday, our church was baptizing people as they do several times a year. And right as Pastor Matthew was calling them backstage to change clothes, I turned to Alex and said, "I like the baptisms. I want to be baptized. I think it is important." No sooner were the words out of my mouth than Pastor Matthew added, "I never do this, but God is calling my heart to today. If there is anyone here today who has accepted Jesus yet has never been baptized who would like to be baptized come on down. We have clothes of all sizes back stage and if God is calling your heart today, come be baptized." I looked to Alex, thought for a second about Matthew waiting in the nursery for us, the mall trip we had planned for right after church-- then headed down to the front of the church. I went to the back where volunteers gave us clothes to change into and there was a mad dash of 15 or so people frantically changing and then we went out front and waited our turns to be submerged in the baptismal pool. Everything seemed to be moving so fast, and I just remember the band playing nice music while Pastor Matthew said his piece, then as the person came up from the pool, the music got intense and the congregation went nuts in applause. I was glad that we were there as a family that day, with Alex being home and not having to work. I remember thinking that if you asked me when I became a Christian, when I accepted Jesus as my savior I don't think I could have told you the date. It was something I remember knowing for as long as I remember, but there was never a moment of "this is how I was, and NOW this is how I will be forever more". That's what baptism gives you. A moment when you say, "Today is the day I stood up before God and everyone and said I choose to follow." If I had taken the traditional route I would have attended a class on baptism and and learned about scripture, and likely would have found one reason after another to say I was too busy to ever take the class or now wasn't the right time. I am glad Pastor Matthew chose that day and those words and that I was in the right place at the right time. I think I would like to have Matthew baptized as a baby too, but I will make sure he knows the true decision is his and not ours. Here is a link to the church website with the video of the baptism, since Alex didn't take any pictures. I'm not sure how long this link will be good. Click on Baptism for 4/28. I'm way at the end, near minute 28. http://www.vandyke.org/upcoming-events/baptisms