Remembering Baptism

 Yesterday was a swim day for me.  And it was a blessing in a number of ways.  First, I've been struggling with a very sore foot, a flare-up of plantar fasciitis, and it was a joy to have an activity that put no stress on my foot at all -- and then be able to sit a bit in the hot tub after, too!

Second, I noticed the gift of water deeply and profoundly during my swim.  All around me was this incredible gift, without which life is simply not possible.  And I had it in such abundance that there was enough for me to swim in!  The water alone was too much gift for me to even comprehend.  

But more than that, the gift of water, inspired me to remember my baptism.  Water, coupled with God's Word, encountered me all those years ago at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in East Grand Forks, and God claimed me as His Child ... forever.  And there I was, swimming back and forth in a pool in Wadena, not only enjoying the gift of exercise, but profoundly blessed by the gift of salvation.

And as if that weren't enough, God met me again just a few minutes after my swim.  After showering and dressing, I placed a mask over my face and re-entered the pool area to use the swimsuit water extractor (a really amazing piece of equipment on its own!).  Still winded a bit from my workout, my breathing was full and deep.  And my glasses fogged.  And I had another encounter with water ... this time water vapor!  And I was reminded of the charge given to parents on the occasion of their child's baptism.  After entrusting my parents with the responsibilities of raising a faithful child, the purpose of those responsibilities was given: "So that Nathan may learn to trust God, proclaim Christ through word and deed, care for others and the world God made, and work for justice and peace."

What a gift!  Reminded not just of the promises of baptism, but also the call to baptism to serve my neighbor.  And to think ... I used to only get annoyed when my glasses fogged up while wearing a mask.  I still do, certainly.  But what an amazing day when a morning swim and foggy glasses could remind me of the beautiful and challenging gifts of God!

May you be strengthened by the gifts of God -- and challenged by His call, too -- and may that strength carry you these next few legs of the journey.

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