One summer my husband and I, in Cape Cod, strolled into the bay. The water was so shallow we could walk out quite far. It was fun wading in the protected waters of the bay while they peacefully lapped around us. Suddenly the swishing of the waves stopped and, while standing in the ocean, there was nothing but silence. We looked at each other, speechless, and listened. Eventually we heard a whispering in the distance, then a murmuring crescendo. Shallow ripples approached, gently surrounding us. We had just visibly and audibly experienced the turning of the tide. We felt we had experienced something special. Baptism by immersion.
Today in worship, we renewed our baptismal vows. The covenant invites us to turn to God as we affirm our faith in Christ and turn away from all that separates us from God. As my life experiences ebb and flow, strengthened by the power of the Holy Spirit, I strive to constantly follow a path toward God.
The voice of the Lord is over the waters. May the Lord give strength to us! May the Lord give us peace! ~from Psalm 29
Bread for the Journey 