A few weeks ago my youngest son, Jordan asked this question: "Mommy, when are you going to set up the paddling pool?"
After I got over the initial shock/amusement with his very British expression, I made a decision to get that set-up. I was thinking the boys could play while I could read. It was a beautiful thought.
And I spent a ridiculous amount of time last weekend cleaning out the laundry area in our apartment and turning it into a splash, spray, and play area for the boys complete with the paddling pool and water toys. They all loved it immediately.
In my online class, there are discussions going on about baptism. There has been many a comment about the faults of infant baptism, the wisdom of baby dedication, the choice of how to be baptized (sprinkling, pouring, or immersion?), and the logistics of how to do it. (No church I know has a swimming pool!) I was contemplating baptism while the boys were playing in the water. And I think I have some thoughts to offer.
First, baptism is an outward sign of the inner reality of a life dedicated to God. In my home, the water enabled full blown interaction with each other. I had never heard so much noise in all my life. They were laughing, crying, playing, splashing, and yelling for over two hours while I read and reflected on baptism and this class. I hope and pray in the future this dedication to interaction will result in dedication to God.
Second, baptism is a sign that the person being baptized wants to formally be recognized in the church as a believer. It is a sacrament that builds community. In my home, family life was definitely built as they played with the water. They learned some hard learned relational lessons and now know what not to do next time. My community of boys slowly learned who doesn't like to get water thrown his face and who thought it was delightful. They also learned that mommy does not like absolutely everything soaked in that area.
Third, the symbolism of baptism in that a repentant sinner dies in the water, and a new believer in Christ is raised up is quite remarkable. There is this cleansing and renewal. In my home, I am not sure they were cleansed. They definitely got wet. They removed some of the dirt on their bodies, but it wasn't quite a bath. They got along a little bit better than they did the weekend before, but I know there will be another argument.
Dedication, community building, and cleansing. Baptism is a sign of the inner reality of God's divine grace. May your children be blessed!
_______
Congratulations Justin Kim on your good grades for this round of exams! Your father and I are proud of you!
_______
Jordan and Aidan are now going to Taekwondo together! It's been a blessed week of Taekwondo exercises and splash and play fun in the house this past week.
After I got over the initial shock/amusement with his very British expression, I made a decision to get that set-up. I was thinking the boys could play while I could read. It was a beautiful thought.
And I spent a ridiculous amount of time last weekend cleaning out the laundry area in our apartment and turning it into a splash, spray, and play area for the boys complete with the paddling pool and water toys. They all loved it immediately.
In my online class, there are discussions going on about baptism. There has been many a comment about the faults of infant baptism, the wisdom of baby dedication, the choice of how to be baptized (sprinkling, pouring, or immersion?), and the logistics of how to do it. (No church I know has a swimming pool!) I was contemplating baptism while the boys were playing in the water. And I think I have some thoughts to offer.
First, baptism is an outward sign of the inner reality of a life dedicated to God. In my home, the water enabled full blown interaction with each other. I had never heard so much noise in all my life. They were laughing, crying, playing, splashing, and yelling for over two hours while I read and reflected on baptism and this class. I hope and pray in the future this dedication to interaction will result in dedication to God.
Second, baptism is a sign that the person being baptized wants to formally be recognized in the church as a believer. It is a sacrament that builds community. In my home, family life was definitely built as they played with the water. They learned some hard learned relational lessons and now know what not to do next time. My community of boys slowly learned who doesn't like to get water thrown his face and who thought it was delightful. They also learned that mommy does not like absolutely everything soaked in that area.
Third, the symbolism of baptism in that a repentant sinner dies in the water, and a new believer in Christ is raised up is quite remarkable. There is this cleansing and renewal. In my home, I am not sure they were cleansed. They definitely got wet. They removed some of the dirt on their bodies, but it wasn't quite a bath. They got along a little bit better than they did the weekend before, but I know there will be another argument.
Dedication, community building, and cleansing. Baptism is a sign of the inner reality of God's divine grace. May your children be blessed!
_______
Congratulations Justin Kim on your good grades for this round of exams! Your father and I are proud of you!
_______
Jordan and Aidan are now going to Taekwondo together! It's been a blessed week of Taekwondo exercises and splash and play fun in the house this past week.
RSS Feed