Baptism Sunday

This morning Solveig was baptized, and it was so special.  With lots of thought and prayer, Knut and I have brought all of our kids to be baptized as infants.  While I don’t believe that baptism is merely a symbol, there are many special traditions surrounding baptism that have no “magic” but do point to Christ.  OK, some of them are just fun.  For instance, I have a special Norwegian broach that I wear to each baptism.  That’s just fun.

Other things, like this gown aren’t “magical” but serve a purpose.  I’m reminded of the pillars set up in the old testament to serve as a reminder for something God has done.  Something that when you walk past it, your children ask “why is that there?” it is an opportunity to remind us how much God has done for us.

This gown is one of the 2 gowns that have been passed down in Knut’s family.  His dad’s family has a gown and his mom’s family has a gown.  This one is his mom’s family’s gown which I’ve always had our girls wear because it’s lacier.  His dad’s family gown is still lacy, but it seem manlier because Knut and his dad Richard were both baptized in it.

Both gowns are well over 100 years old.  Yes, I am terrified when my children wear it that they will poop all the way up the back.  I’m always nervous that my child will be the child to absolutely destroy one of these priceless heirlooms.  Still, I’m so grateful they have each gotten to wear one, because it’s a “pillar” in our modern times to remind ourselves of God’s faithfulness.

I look at this gown in awe of all the intricate lace and stitches.  I can only imagine the work it took to make it.  The gown that Solveig (and Silje, when she was little) wore was first worn by Knut’s grandma’s great-aunt.  I think about how many generations that goes back.  The other gown that the boys wear…we’re not even sure how old, exactly, it is.  Think about that for a minute.  That side of the family has no memory of ever not bringing their children to the Lord.  That is a truly profound thing.  Having no memory of not knowing Christ in a family.

What a testimony of God’s faithfulness.  I know for a fact that my great-grandpa on my dad’s side was agnostic.  He believed there was a God, but wanted nothing to do with Him.  While I haven’t researched or would be able to defend the idea of generational sin, I do know for a fact there is something very real called generational pain.

It’s not a matter of Knut’s family was perfect and mine was not.  I just have a glimpse of what a family looks like when they shake their fist at God.  Some turn from that, and turn to God.  Generational sin/pain is never too great for God to overcome.

Growing up, I’d hear these amazing testimonies of living as a drug addict or in a life of crime, and suddenly and dramatically being redeemed to a new life in Christ.  The fact that my history was only knowing Christ seemed “boring.”  The older I’ve gotten, the more amazed I am by the grace given that as far as my memory goes back, I can only remember knowing Christ.  Not that it’s better than the other type of testimony.  I think that I’ve learned to be thankful for the testimony God has given me.

The sponsors this year were our friends Tony and Carolyn. It was funny because I almost put our boys in the same outfit their Sam wore, and she almost put Sam in the same sweater my boys wore, and Carolyn and I wore the same sweater but in different colors. All by accident. This proves that both of us are addicted to Target, and we must have similar taste! We must be friends!

We were so glad all Solveig’s grandparents could be there!

“Oldefar” and Great-grandma R. were both there.

However, this was the first family event where Great-grandma M was there without Great-grandpa.  I’ll admit, there were times when I looked over, and felt his abscence very acutely.  I can only imagine how that was for Knut.  One of his biggest regrets is that even though Solveig and Grandpa were in the hospital at the same time, they never got to meet this side of Heaven. 

Look at my family. We are so blessed!