Showing Up: A Reflection on Baptism

The first shall be last, and the last shall be first. 

Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, 
you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

Photo Credit: Josh Dietrich

Almost four months have gone by since this picture was taken. Four months in which many other photos were taken that could rival this one for cuteness (the Awww...Factor). Yet, I keep this photo as my desktop background.  Every time I look at it, I feel this sense of awe. The expression on Mr. D's face is priceless. He doesn't seem quite sure what to make of all this attention.

What are you guys looking at? 

Because everyone in this picture is looking with attention, joy, even admiration at my son. And why? Has he done anything that exciting? What has he done that merits this sense of pride and awe?

Nothing.

Yet we beam with joy. Our eyes glisten. Other children watch in the wings, as this baby is made new in Christ.

All he had to do was show up, and grace was poured over him, a seal was placed on his soul, and his heart forever belongs to the One who so delicately formed him.

All we have to do is show up. And let grace (and God) do the work.