showers and baptism

Last night at Confirmation class, we talked about remembering our baptism during everyday activities, like when we wash the dishes, brush our teeth and take a shower. This crossed my mind in the shower this morning. You see, my shower was miserable. A little bit of warm water, spirts of cold water, a little bit of warm water, spirts of cold water. Aweful! Got me thinking: Baptism is like this. Most days my shower is great, refreshing me and cleansing me. Most days, remembering my baptism is a great thing, reminding me that I am a loved and forgiven child of God. But, some days-like my shower today-things are different. Some days the waters of baptism aren't so comfortable. In the baptism service in our worship book, we promise to "proclaim Christ through word and deed, care for others and the world God made, and work for justice and peace." When it comes right down to it, these things can be pretty uncomfortable things. For instance, talking about my faith in certain contexts, really caring for some people, and making choices that allow the best and most fair use of the resources can leave me in despair. Some days, the waters of baptism challenge me. In fact, some days it's kind of miserable, like trying to take a shower in cold water. But, as always I am reminded once again of the good news of those baptism waters--that I am loved and forgiven, no matter what!
posted by Emmy