20 Years Later

Today is exactly 20 years to the day that I was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  I remember as an 8 year-old understanding in a small, childlike way that what I was doing was very important.  My dad baptized me in Spanish because my oldest brother Mike was on his mission in Spain at the time.  A few nights before the baptism Dad sat me down and read through the baptismal prayer.  He explained to me what it meant and why it was so important to be baptized.  I had seen other baptisms and knew what to expect, but Dad took the time to practice with me so that I would know how to hold onto his arm and go completely under the water.

The day of the baptism is a little bit of a blur, but I do remember some things.  Ms. Johnson, my second grade teacher, was there and she gave me a tin of short bread cookies and a pencil.  I believe that Uncle Marvin was one of the witnesses, and I apologize for offending anyone for not remembering who the other witness was (I seem to remember it being Uncle Ronald, but I'm not sure!).  I remember coming to the font and seeing Dad standing in the water waiting for me.  I think that because I was a swimmer and spent so much time in a swimming pool I was expecting the water to be cold and was very pleasantly surprised when I stepped in and it was warm!  Dad and I stood there, dressed all in white.  He positioned my hands onto his arm, said the baptismal prayer and then I was baptized.  The next day, in church, Dad confirmed me a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and gave me the gift of the Holy Ghost.
 
In the 20 years that have followed, I have grown to understand more and more just how much that seemingly small decision has made an impact in my life.  It has made me who I am today, and I am very grateful for it.  I am grateful to know that Jesus Christ is my Savior and Redeemer.  I am grateful to know that Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God, and that we have a living prophet on the earth today.  I know that Thomas S. Monson is a prophet in our time.  I also know that The Book of Mormon is a true book, which teaches of Jesus Christ, and that we can come closer to Him by living the principles taught therein.

Just as the last 20 years since my baptism have brought me growth and a deeper understanding of the promises I made to my Heavenly Father at the age of 8, I know that I still have a lot to learn.  Here's to the next 20 years!