D has been looking forward to being baptized since he could talk. That boy throws his whole soul into life. He wants to do and try anything and everything especially if his Daddy has done it first. When he learned about baptism as a wee lad he only wanted to know one thing---"Did Daddy got baptize?" When we told him yes, that sealed the deal. He has never wavered from his desire to be like his Dad.
While we think it is precious how much he idolizes Steve, we wanted to make sure he understood that the covenants he was making had nothing to do with Dad and everything to do with him and Heavenly Father. We continued to teach him and he continued to learn though he was utterly befuddled why we kept asking if he was ready to make baptismal covenants. His expression usually straddled confusion, enthusiasm, and exasperation.
Then the pandemic hit and all baptisms were put on hold.
But when baptisms were allowed again D was first in line; his sunny, confident, countenance on display for all the family to see.
The rules put in place on the day of his baptism were designed to keep everyone socially distant and safe. We were told to come to a particular door at a particular time. We had to have less than 20 guests and all had to be masked. We were to walk directly to the font and remain standing. We were asked to refrain from touching anything. We were allowed to have one person take one picture of Steve and D by a picture of Christ. M and J were able to be witnesses. The baptism itself was brief and sweet. While they changed out of their wet clothes the rest of us were escorted and left in a room to wait. We listened quietly to children's hymns and wrote notes to D. He was confirmed a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and given the gift of the Holy Ghost. Then everyone exited the building and stayed distant from other groups coming for their baptisms.
A typical baptism in our church has a lot more fanfare with lots of people invited, printed programs, talks, musical numbers, and the like. By comparison this was far more subdued, but the truth was it was perfectly simple and perfectly perfect. The focus remained on D and the covenant he was making. The Spirit was present and the pandemic reminded us yet again to prioritize the most important things.
After we returned home a dog found its way into our garage and wouldn't leave. The kids saw this as a sign from heaven that we were meant to be dog owners. I assured them they were wrong and sent a prayer of thanks heavenward when the dog's owners showed up.
Grammy also surprised them with balloons and skittles to celebrate being done with school. They loved the treats. A sweet ending to a sweet day. Thank you!
While we think it is precious how much he idolizes Steve, we wanted to make sure he understood that the covenants he was making had nothing to do with Dad and everything to do with him and Heavenly Father. We continued to teach him and he continued to learn though he was utterly befuddled why we kept asking if he was ready to make baptismal covenants. His expression usually straddled confusion, enthusiasm, and exasperation.
Then the pandemic hit and all baptisms were put on hold.
But when baptisms were allowed again D was first in line; his sunny, confident, countenance on display for all the family to see.
The rules put in place on the day of his baptism were designed to keep everyone socially distant and safe. We were told to come to a particular door at a particular time. We had to have less than 20 guests and all had to be masked. We were to walk directly to the font and remain standing. We were asked to refrain from touching anything. We were allowed to have one person take one picture of Steve and D by a picture of Christ. M and J were able to be witnesses. The baptism itself was brief and sweet. While they changed out of their wet clothes the rest of us were escorted and left in a room to wait. We listened quietly to children's hymns and wrote notes to D. He was confirmed a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and given the gift of the Holy Ghost. Then everyone exited the building and stayed distant from other groups coming for their baptisms.
One picture with masks.
One picture without.
It was nice they allowed us to take both pics.
Waiting for them to change into dry clothes.
Family pictures far from everyone else.
D wanted one more pic with " My best Dad ever!" before we left.
A typical baptism in our church has a lot more fanfare with lots of people invited, printed programs, talks, musical numbers, and the like. By comparison this was far more subdued, but the truth was it was perfectly simple and perfectly perfect. The focus remained on D and the covenant he was making. The Spirit was present and the pandemic reminded us yet again to prioritize the most important things.
After we returned home a dog found its way into our garage and wouldn't leave. The kids saw this as a sign from heaven that we were meant to be dog owners. I assured them they were wrong and sent a prayer of thanks heavenward when the dog's owners showed up.
Grammy also surprised them with balloons and skittles to celebrate being done with school. They loved the treats. A sweet ending to a sweet day. Thank you!
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