|
Saturday was the Highland Hope United Methodist Church picnic.
I didn't want to go. I just wasn't in a people mood. Hubby was working so it would be just me and the kids. I didn't want to go. Still, I had made the rsvp and rather than be a "plan changer" I would have to go. I told the church secretary we would be there. But I didn't want to go.
We arrived on time. I immediately sought out the pastor's wife who has a knack for making people feel welcome. We made small talk about the storm and other happenings with a few other women. I began to relax a little. The girls found some of their friends and soon it would be time to eat.
I had made my appearance. All I had to do was eat, round up the girls and head home. During the meal I sat with my girls and their friends and found myself enjoying the conversation. I mostly listened. Talk about teachers, friends, and the upcoming school year. Funny, I feel more comfortable with the kids than I do with the adults. I like these kids. Kids are so honest, so easy going. I decided to hang around a little longer.
I had forgotten the pastor had planned a rededication/baptism ceremony down the small hill at the lake. He laid a plastic runner from the edge of the bank into the water. We did our typical Methodist recitations and the pastor then asked if anyone would like to be baptized. First was a father, next two of his daughters came in followed by his oldest son. How heartwarming to see a father and his children rededicating their lives together. It touched others too. Pretty soon there was a whole stream of kids ages 7- 17 and another dad taking their turn being baptized in the muddy lake. 14 people in all were baptized that evening.
To my astonishment all three of my daughters made their way down to the bank to be baptized. There was no prodding on my part. In fact, I talked to each one before they went in to explain what it was they were doing, and that they should not do it if they were just trying to fit in with the other kids or be noticed. Each one answered without hesitation that no, it was not to be recognized, it was something they wanted to do.
This was so surprising to me. Earlier each had stated in no uncertain terms that the lake was dirty and disgusting. No way they would ever get in there. In fact, the whole idea of being even sprinkled with water in front of the congregation at church was something that terrified them. It was something they were just too shy to do.
My three girls, Booboo, Miss Kitty, and then Bookster each took their turn being baptized fully dressed except for their shoes in brown water, surrounded by weeds, much the same way John the Baptist baptized our Savior himself!
I really wish Hubby could have been there to see it. I don't know why God staged things the way He did that evening.
I only know that I'm really glad I went. |
Comments
|
|
|
|
|
Posted by
|
|
|
|
|
Posted by