The Baptism of Jack

Today was a big day for Jack.  It actually started quite early especially since last night was such a late night with the Temple trip for Amy.  Anyway we were off to the Cub Scout Day Camp to start today.  He was really excited to go and he was looking sharp. 



Ready for Day Camp

As Jack went to Day Camp I went to the local grocery store to pick up some goodies for the day.  Lots of goodies actually.  I got to cooking and cleaning.  Eventually Jack got home from the camp and he was really excited about it.  He had a fabulous time.  I guess he will be going to day camp in Alaska as well and I am told that goes all week.  Really cool.

Rachel and her mom arrived around 3:30 and we were in getting ready mode.  Jack got a new outfit as did Andy and Natty.  They all looked fabulous.  Anyhow, at 4:30 we were off to the Stake Center.  We got all situated with clothes and Jack and I went in to get dressed.  Jack was pretty excited in his little white jumper.  I was getting in to mine when I heard Jack call out "oh crap".  I was curious.  He was checking out the font, didn't see the water on one of the steps and stepped right in.  He was pretty anxious to get in there.



Jack arriving at Baptism

The program went well and then we got to go.  The water was warm.  We went right in and got things done.  He really did a great job.  He kept his eyes closed and I was supposed to guide him back over to the stairs.  He had told me this beforehand but I thought he was talking about walking from the chapel to the font.  It occurred to me when he walked into the wall that he still had his eyes closed and I was shirkin my duties. 

We got changed and went to the Relief Society room where our ward had been assigned for the confirmation.  Jack was the only boy from our ward getting baptized today so it was just our fam and Brother Thorley from the Bishopric and Sister Bagnall from the Primary.  I had gotten Jack dressed before me and he went out.  I was hoping he was with our group, he was not.  I walked the building looking for him and managed to locate him in the nursery just hanging out. Anyhow, we walked together and went in.  Jack sat for a moment and then went outside the room.  I don't know if having everyone there for him made him nervous or what.  We went back in and the meeting proceeded. 

I had asked Jim to give a talk on the Holy Ghost and he did a great job using a compass on his phone and asking Jack how it worked.  He had Jack come up and handed it to him.  Jack got to hold it and watch it the entire time.  It did the trick to help him sit and relax a bit.  There were some great parallels as well to the Holy Ghost guiding us and though he may not have looked like he was listening because he was staring at the compass on the phone screen, I know he heard every word.  I also know he will always remember that association.  Jack did get a word in at the end about a GPS.  It was funny. 

We moved on to the confirmation.  I remember when Natalie was baptized that I experienced different emotions then I had baptizing other people.  I think there is something special about baptizing your own children.  I felt that powerfully with Jack during the confirmation.  Of course I was standing there with pops and all the brothers with exception of Pete.  It was a good group of Priesthood holders to be in.  Anyway, there are moments when you feel the love that our Heavenly Father has for his children and I felt a portion of His love for Jack.  It was a humbling reminder of how precious these souls are.  By these souls I refer to each of my children.  I am grateful to be their dad and to have been entrusted with their care.

Following the confirmation Jack shook all of our hands, gave out a couple of big hugs and the meeting continued.  Sister Bagnall welcomed him to the Primary and then Brother Thorley had him come up and welcomed him into the ward.  As Jack stood up there he had a hint of a smile on his face and some moist eyes.  What a beautiful little boy and a special spirit.  Those that know Jack know his heart.  He has a lot to say about trains and dogs and other things but in his heart is purity and love of people.  There are quiet moments when we all get to see that and feel that from him.  This was such a moment as he looked out on those who were there to support him. 

I am grateful for Jack's decision to be baptized and I am grateful for the wonderful blessing he is in my life.