A Child of God

She is a shining example of God’s infinite wisdom and love. She is our beautiful daughter and last night, she was baptized. Yes, it’s something that she’s wanted to do for a while now. She had hoped to be baptized in the river but timing didn’t work. We had already purchased our tickets to see “Wicked” when our church announced the date of the river baptisms. You guessed it - the same day and time…and we were hours away. So yesterday was the first baptism opportunity since. And what made it that much more special is that she was joined by 3 very good family friends. Cassie and Sean’s family recently decided to join our church and they wanted to be baptized, too. We’ve known this family since Samantha was just two years old (Sean and Cassie started going to the same daycare as our kids, and their mom, Cindy, started helping there PLUS she’s a fellow scrapper). Also, Eddie was amongst God’s followers. He’s the father of Samantha’s best bud, Rachel. Our three families met before the ceremony and shared a nice dinner.

During the ceremony, families were encouraged to come up to the stage to take photos. So I was the designated photographer. I took the “closeups” of all four of our group. What a wonderful experience. And when Samantha stepped forward and began to share her story with the congregation about when she accepted Christ as her “forever friend”, my eyes were filled with tears. Tears of joy and pride and love. She looked and sounded so grown up. Is it possible that my baby girl could become a wise young lady before my eyes?

Now, as if all this wasn’t special enough, two families whom we have known for almost two decades were in attendance. Kerry and Tric, and MaryEllen and Kelly (Dennis had to work this evening on the same project that Mat had left just hours before). These are two families of the California “Gang”. Probably too close to call “friends”; more like family.

So, this mom would like to say “thank you”. Thank you to friends who shared this evening with us. Thank you to my daughter, who brings us so much joy every day. Thank you to her equally wonderful brother who fills my heart. Thank you to the incredible man with whom I share my life and loves. And thank you to a God who continues to bless me with his wondrous grace and love.