The topic of Luke's impending baptism has been one that has caused equal parts excitement, anxiety, and fear for the last year. After Gage's baptism Luke declared he was NOT doing that. He has always disliked water in his face. To the point of phobia. So, for a long time he cried every time we talked about baptism. Then his objections turned to whether he believed he SHOULD be baptized. He had so many doubts. How did I know Jesus was real? What if when he died he learned everything he had learned at church was not true? What was the bishop going to ask? What is a testimony? Let me tell you the whole thing was a mental and spiritual exercise for yours truly. I didn't want him to feel like he had to be baptized. I really wanted to make sure that he understood it was his choice to make and that his choice would be honored.
Every Family Home Evening revolved around testimony. Gage, who has always had a natural testimony, was highly disturbed at times by Luke's doubt. It was so cut and dry for him. Luke began sharing his testimony at church but then also had serious doubts the next day. The only way I can describe it is to say it was intense. Way more intense than I believed a seven year old could be. I'm so thankful for the experience though. I believe we are living in extraordinary times and that the spirits God has sent at this time are extraordinary people.
Tim took Luke to his interview with his bishop and they were gone for so long I started to worry. When they got home Tim said Luke was so thoughtful about each question and had lots for the bishop too!
When the day finally came I honestly thought there was a chance Luke would back out at the last moment. Tim had not doubt whatsoever that things would go smoothly and he was right! The High Councilor who filled the font teased Luke that if he looked closely he could see ice floating on the top. Luke said, "I demand you redo the water!" Luke was nervous to be sure. When he climbed into the font he said to his dad (very loudly) "Let's just get this over with!" He also had to be baptized twice because his toe came up. In the dressing room Luke said to his dad, "If I go out and get baptized just once it's going to make Gage feel bad." Only Luke would think of someone else like that. He is a sweetheart. Part of me wonders if he let his toe slip up so as not to add to Gage's embarrassment over his double dip.
Afterward, we had family over for lunch and we had a great time!
Tim's mom surprised us with this blanket that had Luke's drawings on it. It will be a keepsake.
I love my sisters. I so appreciated all the help they gave me in preparing my house and the food. I don't have a picture but wanted to remember how nice it was that my mom's sister, Charlotte and her husband came. The poor thing cried the whole time because she still misses my mom so much. I know she feels like it is hard to step into someone else's shoes but so honored that she is so constant. Also, my Dad's sister Melinda came. She left the church years ago and I think has very hard feelings toward the church but she puts it aside to support us and I think it is graceful and brave.
So thankful that Claire has these girls. Each of these cousins are the only girls in their families too. It is fun they have each other!
Cousins really are the best!
