Sunday

April 19 was a beautiful Sunday for me, and by evening I found myself reflecting on a day that brought both peace and perspective.

I have been to far too many funerals lately, but today served as a reminder of the victory we have
over death.

A friend took me to church that morning, and while I always enjoy attending, this service felt different from the start. Following a time of praise and worship — both instrumental and vocal — a baptism took place in the stone immersion pool at the front of the sanctuary.

I have always appreciated that our church practices baptism by immersion and has the facility for it, along with a pastor willing to step into the water to carry out that sacred act. I couldn’t help but remember standing there years ago, when I was blessed to take part in that same moment.

The young man being baptized had made a serious commitment to follow Jesus, requesting baptism during the service as an outward sign of that decision. Dressed in swim trunks, he stood ready, answering each question from Pastor Wayne with quiet confidence and determination.

With those words spoken, the ritual that Jesus began was once again carried out before the congregation.

Throughout the sanctuary, prayers of blessing, gratitude and encouragement were offered for the young man as he began his journey of faith. I found myself joining in, reflecting on how heaven must rejoice at such
a moment.

Applause filled the church as Pastor Wayne introduced this newly baptized Christian to the congregation before they stepped out of the water and wrapped themselves in towels, soon to return to their
Sunday clothes.

A visiting speaker for the church’s ongoing faith conference followed, sharing her own baptism story and reflecting on how that moment had shaped her life. Her words prompted a more personal reflection within me.

I found myself in quiet prayer, admitting that my own faith has not always been as active or enthusiastic as it once was. I thought about missed opportunities — moments when I could have shared my faith more openly or lived it more fully.

As evening settled in at my home on Sunset Street, the calm darkness brought a final moment of reflection. Lights flickered on as they always do, guiding the way through the night.

It reminded me of something simple but important — the call to be a light in the darkness.

And so I ended the day with a prayer for awareness, for purpose, and for the willingness to follow through when those moments come. Amen!