Sometimes in this mothering journey I ask myself if I'm doing things right. Am I being an affective example of the Gospel for them? I'm sure I'm not. I lose my temper way too often. I don't always show grace when it's warranted. I'm selfish. And yet, probably my biggest mistake is to fail to recognize that those shortcomings are exactly the best opportunities to show them how the beauty of the Gospel really works! Fail. Repent. Forgive and receive forgiveness. Grow. Repeat as necessary (on the same day).
Somehow, in spite of my shortcomings, this guy is beginning to get it. Last August, he and his daddy had a conversation and it was decided that he should be baptized.
We got to lay hands on him and pray for him. We prayed for a life so devoted to Jesus, for constant transformation and growth in his little man heart. We prayed for continual revelation of Jesus and His love to his life.
What a special privilege to have these four men lead my little man through this very special moment of public confession.
And what an even greater privilege that one of those four men is his daddy!
As he walked out of the water, cheered on by those who have gone before him, but on his own, the picture of his Christian journey paints itself before us. This is just the beginning. From this moment on, he gets to walk out this public declaration he just made. It doesn't mean that his life will be any easier, but it means that every experience and every step will be seen through the lens of the Gospel of the Cross.
My sweet son: I look at this picture, at your face, at your smile coming out of the water. You proudly step out of the water and you probably don't realize that as you do, you get to begin to walk in that faith you just publicly professed. I won't lie to you. It won't be easy. That faith will get tested day after day. It will get tough. But as your walk gets tougher I want you to remember a few things. First of all, that with every step and every test of your faith, it grows stronger. It is a spiritual muscle of sorts. Things will increasingly get harder, not to see what you can handle, but because you can. Of course, not in your own strength but in that of the Author and Perfecter of your faith. When your walk gets rough and the alone-ness of it aches, I also want you to remember this picture. Look at those men cheering you on! Those same four men will be available to you as you grow, to encourage and guide you as you may need it, your own Daddy front and foremost. I know this because that is who they are. I know this because I have seen them do it for others. Reach out to them, when you need wisdom. When your walk gets difficult, look back to this day, to this moment and when you see that little boy's face remember afresh the joy that obedience to God can bring!
I love you my little man!