Saturday, January 20, 2007

Dearest God,

Yesterday I drove to New Life Community Church to baptize a boy at our church. Michael is a fifth grader at Trader's Point School. Recently he made a decision to be baptized, to give his life to Christ. We met in my study earlier in the week while he shared his reasons, what he hoped for his life.

A crowd of fifth through eighth graders gathered in the large, open, stained-glass window-laden sanctuary. As the young chaplain welcomed us, we all stood to sing, a declaration of our own decisions to follow Jesus. The youth were well behaved, respectful as we worshipped together.

The pastor preached a message on Samuel, the prophet, his calling, his mother's faith. He challenged the young people seated before him. "Listen, be attentive, God wants to speak to you." All was quiet as they pondered the meaning of his words.

Then Michael and I stood. I addressed the gathering. "These are your brothers and sisters, Michael. Whenever you have a struggle, don't know what to do, you can go to any of these and they will help you." I asked him the church's theological questions. "Do you reject the evil powers of this world and repent of your sin? Do you accept the freedom and power God gives you...? Do you confess Jesus Christ as your Savior?" He spoke loudly, wanting his comrades to hear his confession.

Then we walked to the end of the chancel area and moved to the robing rooms, to make ready for the ceremony. Stephen, Michael's brother, played a song on the guitar in honor of his sibling's decision.

As the song was concluding Michael and I adorned in white robes stepped downward into the baptistry. The water was warm as we stood once again before the crowd of youth. I reminded Michael of Jesus' example, standing before John the Baptist, going down into the waters of the Jordan, his own profession of faith.

Then I took hold of him, my left arm around his back, my right hand on his and I plunged him backward into the holy waters. "I baptize you in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen." I held him firmly as I pulled him up. The room erupted in applause. Michael stood before me, the living water dripping from his face, as I placed an olive wood cross around his neck. "This cross was made in Bethlehem. Wear it every day." I admonished him.

Afterward dressed once again in our street attire, we gathered with his own class down front. I asked them to form a circle. Holding hands, I told them that Michael would not wear the cross every day and that was okay. But he would carry Christ every day I told them. I prayed. An eighth grade boy came up and congratulated him. "Good job Michael!" Some girls praised him. A couple teachers hugged him. And then they left for their morning classes.

As I drove to my daughter's house to care for my grandchildren, I reflected upon Michael's decision, his school, the morning message. How wonderful to stand with friends in faith at such a young age at school. These kids have not only the academic standards but also faith. Prayers ushers these kids to school each day. Teachers pray for them. They pray for each other. No one to stand and forbid it.

I saw the presence of God in the eyes of children and their teachers, in the message of a young chaplain and the faith of a mother, in a school that practices what they believe.

You are the light
that shines in us.
We are children
living in light
or we know where
to find the light
when we need its rays
to pierce our darkness.
Bless our children
wherever they are,
with the light of
your love and grace.

Love always, Andrea