Today we had a baptism/bbq celebration. We had church outside the school where we normally meet. It was a great set up. Huge space with giant ramadas and trees to provide shade. We had a great group of guys who did all the dog and burger cooking and lots of women who helped with set up and providing side dishes and copious amounts of dessert. Everyone pitching in and asking me what they could do to help. It just felt like a big family getting ready for dinner. Basically, it was a party for 250, and I was one of the ones who got to help throw it. Which is probably one of my favorite things in the world to do…
Needless to say, there were a lot of details to attend to. It would have been easy to get caught up in just the party aspect of the day. But there was so much more to it. Twelve people were baptized today, each with a very personal and unique story. Lots of tears were shed as they expressed their journey and how Jesus had come to each of them personally right where they were. Some of the stories represented enormous brokenness. Some, great aha! moments. Some, simple childlike faith. But all of them recognizing the very intimate love of a Savior who wanted very much to walk every day of their life with them.
Blake got baptized today. The lump in my throat spilled out through my eyes as I watched my six foot plus son step into the pool of water, accompanied by his pastor and his young life leader Joey. To see them hold his hands and take him under the water and back up again was just a precious moment. One of those moments that you wait for and pray for from the time they are born. To hear the testimony he gave of his faith becoming his own was priceless.
The remainder of the day there was filled with hugs and great conversations. Oh, and lots and lots of food. People getting to know each other a little better and just enjoying being together. Feeling connected. Contributing. Sharing. Maybe church should always be under the ramada with the smell of bbq in the air. Hmmmm….
Got to the school grounds at seven this morning. Left at 1:45. I was hot, sweaty and exhausted. I had goobers all over my sundress. My legs hurt. I was a mess. A mess with a really big smile on her face 🙂
