A Warm Summer Night When My Life Changed

It was a warm summer night in 2005 when my life changed.

I was at a church camp nestled deep in the woods and I decided,

"I want to be baptized."

I whispered it to my cabin counselor who looked at my sternly. This confession, I thought, would elicit a joyous reaction. Or, at least a smile!

I will never forget her face, or her tone, when she said,

"And why have you made this decision?"

I thought about this question for a second. What was the answer she was seeking? And what if I got it wrong? I was sure of my decision. My adolescent heart felt surrounded by God's presence.

"Because I want to live my life for Christ."

I had no idea if my honest answer would be good enough. I felt it was. Finally, I was met with the reaction I had first anticipated. A smile, warm, and eyes, wet.

We gathered my cabin of girls and hiked the treacherous trail to the lake. It was quiet and dark when I first stepped into the water, mud oozing around my feet.

I waded out until the water met my waist and looked out into the abyss of water meeting sky and felt peace.

The deep voice of the man baptizing me asked,

"Do you believe Jesus was the Son of God who died on the cross for your sins?"

Boldly, proudly, and sure of myself, I confessed,

"I do."

Then I pinched my nose closed and was plunged into the water that became Christ's blood, cleansing me of my sins.

The second I came out of the water my eyes popped open and I saw a shooting star. And then I smiled.

My cabin of girls, sisters in Christ, waded out to me and embraced me in love.

All on a warm summer night...

Me & a cabin friend way back then