In January we went to Luke's baptismal preview at the Stake Center. They discussed the details and logistics and gave talks to get the kids excited for this big step. We came home, marked our calendars for May 2nd, and started to plan for the event. And then the Corona. In late March our primary president let us know that the current rule for baptisms was that they were being held, but that only 4 people could be in attendance, including the kid being baptized, and there were no talks, songs or prayers. Over the next several weeks we discussed it, a lot, and Tim and I were inclined to have Luke wait until we could have a traditional service with all of our family there. But when we asked Luke, he was adamant that he did not want to wait. We tried explaining that no one would be able to come, we couldn't have a party after, etc. and then he looked at me and said in the most sincere voice; "mom, I just want to be baptized now so I can get the Holy Ghost and become a member of the church, I don't want to wait." Talk about being taught by a child - Luke reminded us what was really important, and it wasn't the celebration, it was the ordinance. Over the next several weeks we spent a lot of time during our home church talking about baptism and the promises Luke would be making. All of us went to his interview together and had the best visit with the bishop.
On Thursday night, the Bishop called to let us know that they had loosened some of the restrictions and we could now have 20 people at the baptism, and we could plan for songs and prayers. Oh happy day! We made some phone calls and quick invites and were so excited to be able to share such a special day with a few of our people.
Saturday morning we arrived at the church and Luke and Tim changed and then we greeted our family and Luke's buddy Sonny. Grandma Whitesides wasn't able to be there but we were able to let her watch via Facetime. The service itself was simple and beautiful. Tim baptized Luke and then gave him the Holy Ghost, followed by a wonderful blessing. At that point we hadn't been to church in almost two months and I don't think we realized how much we missed it. It felt so nice to be together with others, sharing songs and testimonies, and focusing on what is most important. As a mom, I think a lot about Luke and Ruby's milestones, and all of the details that I expect for those big days. Luke's baptism didn't turn out anything like I had envisioned, but we ended up with something so much better. As I sat and watched him taking this step to follow Christ, I just felt so blessed and grateful to be his mama, and to share in all of his learning and growth. He is an incredible boy, and I am so excited to see the way he will bless others throughout his life.
This is Luke's favorite song, we loved singing it together.
The morning of the baptism we were actually ready way before we needed to leave so we took advantage of the beautiful morning to get some pictures with our special boy. Luke was so happy and excited, and was extra loving to all of us. These are some of my very favorite pictures because of all of the memories they bring of the day of his baptism.
It's a good thing we took so many photos before we went to the baptism because I basically forgot to take any at the church. I took the few of Luke with Tim when they put on their baptismal clothes, but missed taking pictures of family and the people there to support Luke. We invited everyone to our house for brunch - cinnamon rolls and fruit. I did think to snap a few pictures in the backyard while people were still here. The party was small, but oh so sweet.
Finished the day with a rainbow - the perfect ending.
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