Remember your baptism

   Do you remember your baptism?  I've been thinking about this since worship Sunday morning.  We read the story in Mark of Jesus' baptism.  Heard a great sermon, then the congregation had the opportunity to come forward to the baptismal font and take up water as they remembered their baptism.  I was unable to go forward, but my friend David picked up a handful of water and tossed it back 3 rows, spraying my face with God's cleansing grace (and a few of my neighbors also). 
    I have a sketchy memory of my own baptism.  My brother was born in October 1952 and was probably 3 or 4 months old which means I was about two.  I think this must be one of my earliest memories.  I don't remember the water of baptism - what I remember is holding onto the rail that surrounded the altar - maybe even swinging on it a little bit?  All the attention seemed to be on my brother as far as I can remember.
   My baptism is my first memory of church.  I was baptized at First United Methodist Church in Great Bend Kansas.  We had moved to Great Bend from Casper WY the summer of 1951.  I remember the building with its center dome high above the sanctuary.  A number of years ago my husband Richard and I were driving home from visiting my parents in Texas and went through Great Bend.  We attended an Ash Wednesday service in the chapel.  As I walked through the sanctuary (which I had not seen since I was 10 years old) it had a familiar feel to it.  I saw the rail around the large altar area and the memory of my baptism returned.  I went to Sunday School, worshiped, & attended Vacation Bible School at First UMC.  It is a part of my spiritual family tree.
   Last Sunday our pastor pointed out the paradox that we consider Jesus to be without sin, pure and divine, yet he steps forward and insists that John baptize him.  Jesus enters into this ritual of repentance and cleansing; perhaps a reminder to us that Jesus is fully Divine, but also fully human, and in being fully human with us he too receives his baptism.  I am always moved by the final verses of this story when the dove descends and a voice from heaven says, "You are my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased."  I believe God says that to all of us, baptized or not:  "You are my beloved son or daughter." 
    I felt tears rising as I watched the members of our congregation walk down the aisle to remember their baptism, to remember that God loves each one of them.  They were invited to come forward, whether or not they had actually been baptized,  whether or not they were Christian.  They were invited to come forward and receive this reminder that each one is a beloved son or daughter of God.  And then, towards the end, water splashed upon my all face and I felt that glorious cleansing power of the Holy Spirit.  The water that is so necessary for life reminds me of how I thirst for God's love, and how God's love never goes away - I just need to turn my face to God. 
      Do you remember your baptism?  Whether you do or not, whether you were baptized or not, I hope you will remember that you are God's beloved daughter, God's beloved son.  May God's blessings be with you on the journey.