Water Troughs & Baptism

What does a shiny animal water trough and baptism have in common? To the average person, nothing. To the one going under the water, everything.

This past weekend our 7 year old granddaughter was baptized. She was the only youngster to go under the water Sunday morning. A second person, much older than she, followed suit. Both went under the water…washing away the “old” person and coming up “new”. It’s exciting when any one makes the decision to be baptized in a public setting…it’s another whole new level of joy when it’s your own child! Seeing her smile…witnessing her enthusiasm…hearing people hoot and holler words of love as hands clapped in a fury of happiness for this dear little soul is a moment I will never forget.

Following Macklynn’s baptism…coming out of the water….she jumped into her daddy’s arms and snuggled in as he carried her off the platform, warm towel around her little wet body. I was able to capture the moment…a usual pose for father and daughter. She loves being held by her dad, wrapping her small arms around his neck where it is very evident she feels protected, safe, cared for no matter what comes her way…that’s what a good daddy does for his children.

I think the two of them–caught in this familiar pose–show a perfect example of how each one of us who belong to God can be assured of His perfect and unconditional love, too. Though she is a mere seven, Macklynn knows this truth. She was dedicated to the Lord when an infant and has been in church almost every weekend…she has learned to pray…at mealtime…before bed….for loved ones who need healing…she’s been an active participant in godly conversations with family and friends. She knows her Father.

On one particular Saturday morning, when Macky was about 3 years old, she came into the bedroom where I have my prayer chair in a corner. I had gotten up earlier than she (she had spent the night) and by the time I had finished reading a portion of scripture and began writing my prayers in my journal, she entered the room. Of course, she asked what I was doing and as I explained I also told her that if she made the decision to stay with me, she needed to be quiet. She agreed. Before long, the quiet was interrupted with her asking if she could write her prayers too. I gave her a piece of paper, pencil and she sat down on the floor by my feet. “Gramma, I don’t know how to write the “numbers” (her toddlerish word for letters).

“It’s ok, Macky. God can read what you write.”

Very carefully she drew 3 wavy lines across her page.

“Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God”. Ephesians 5: 1-2

Well, scripture says to “imitate God” but I’m pretty sure He doesn’t mind that she desired to copy gramma that Saturday morning with her prayers being written out to Him…that precious morning is a treasured memory now….she’s growing up very nicely, currently attending second grade in school, learning how to read and write her “numbers” and “letters”.  Prayers are taking on a bit more maturity…snuggles with her daddy are ongoing…being under the wings of her heavenly Father continues to be her rightful place, too…arms around His neck…as He guides each step on the path He has lovingly laid before her.