Remembering My Baptism

Our Church recently celebrated with seven of our youth and children the sacrament (sacred moment) of Baptism. I have spent time with several of these over the past few months in a process of confirmation (a process of strengthening their faith).

As the day of their baptism grew closer, I began to think of my own confirmation and baptism. There were many in my community who impacted my life in positive ways. I had Sunday School teachers, Youth ministry leaders/volunteers, Boy Scout leaders, Teachers, Band Directors, etc. that had an impact on my life.

On the day of my baptism, three people really stand out. One was my pastor. He was appointed to our church for eight years. He impacted my life in many ways. He ministered to my family as my Mom and Dad both faced life with cancer. He also ministered to my family as we grieved their death but also celebrated their life. Another was a man who was transitioning into being the Youth Director for our church. He served in that position for a short time, but our lives crossed paths again when I moved to Lubbock to attend Texas Tech. He was the pastor of the church I attended in Lubbock, and he took me under his wing and was a guide that helped me discern what direction my life would take. The other was the man who was transitioning from being the Youth Director of our church. He spent several summers working with the Jr High and High School kids in the Church and community. He opened my eyes to possibilities that existed, if I just took the time to open my eyes to see them. At the time I could not really see how they were changing my life, but looking back, I can see how their influence has changed me.

These three men, and a host of others were on my mind as I remembered my own baptism, while helping to create a baptism memory for the seven that came before our church. I hope that what I do is making an impression on them. I hope that one day they will be able look back and see the influence myself and others had on their lives.

Who are the people that have influenced and impacted your life? A Coach? A Teacher? An Employer? A Neighbor? A Pastor? Who? Are you making the time in your life to influence and impact the life of someone else?

We can always hope someone else will take the time to make a difference. We can always hope someone else will step up to the challenge. But who misses out on being changed, being influenced or impacted when you and I don’t?