For almost three weeks Olivia has talked about, prayed about, and even practiced getting baptized. Several nights we practiced getting "dunked" while sitting on her bed. Well, we made it. Early this morning around 6:30 she sprung from her bed in anticipation for the moment she has so anxoiusly waited for. As I walked into the living room she quickly turned her attention away from Hannah Montana and said to me, "Are you ready for my big day?" And as her dad who was about to get the chance of a lifetime I responded, "Yes I am."
You see Olivia asked me to baptize her and you can imagine what a delight that was for a mushy old man like myself. I have thought of this day for the better part of a month. In my twelve years of ministry this was truly one of the top moments and by a long shot one of the most fulfilling moments for me. As a dad... I was proud. As a minister... I was honored. As a man... I was like a cupcake. She literally could have asked me for anything today and probably would have gotten it.
Is there anything in this life as rewarding for a parent than to see their children, whom God has given them responsibility over, follow God by their own will? Karie and I didn't push her... she pushed us. When I asked Liv what she thought baptism was about her response made me smile again... "We get baptized because we love Jesus and we want everyone else to know it." Well, that about sums it all up. She gets it in a way that possibly only a seven year old can.
Proud? Absolutely.
Karie and I are well aware of the fact that it takes a village... thanks to Paw Paw Bobby & Mimi, Silly Paw Paw & GrandMa, Uncle Phil & Aunt Karon, Ben, Amy, Jake, Ryland, Little Paw Paw, Grammie, B, Jason, and Uncle Joel.
No comments:
Post a Comment