My son is baptized

Today was a special day at for our family. Christian turned 8 last month, and April 10 was the day set for his baptism. I've always wanted my kids to get baptized. And I've always wanted it to be their choice - I didn't want them to feel forced, or that it was just expected of them. Someone who is baptized and makes that commitment - to stand as a witness of God at all time, and in all places - has to understand what that means. If you leave that understanding out, you miss the meaning of the covenant completely.

Over the past few weeks, Christian and I have had a lot of talks. Meaningful and deep talks, the kind that kids don't often seek out, and that some parents are afraid to have with their kids. We've talked about the birds and the bees, the meaning of baptism, the Holy Ghost and how it speaks to us. What it means to bear another's burden, to mourn with those that mourn and comfort those that stand in need of comfort. The importance of repentance and getting a clean start.

To Christian's credit, he put serious thought into the decision on whether to be baptized or not. He wasn't sure if he was ready, and he was nervous about this big step. I'm so glad he thought of it that way. In the end, he decided to do it, even though he was nervous. It was a good day for him, I think. The gathering afterward at our house was kinda busy for him; he got in his jammies and konked out without saying goodnight. The guy was tired.

It was also a good day for family. There are ties of blood and ties of love, and the love was running thick around here today. Some childhood friends of my mom's who have been part of my life since I was conceived were here, Grandma Joyce flew up from San Francisco to be with us, Sean and MyLiege and 2 of their 4 kids came (the other 2 were excused absences), Katrina's parents and mine, and sister Avery came, too. Aria gave an excellent talk that she wrote herself and delivered like a pro in front of 100 adults.

A great day. 1 more for God's kingdom. He has entered in at the gate, now we get to help him along the path home.