Rainbows

One of my favorite Primary (what we LDS call the children's portion of church) songs says,

"I love to look for rainbows, whenever there is rain,
and ponder on the beauty of an earth made clean again.
I want my life to be as clean as earth right after rain,
I want to be the best I can, and live with God again.

I know when I am baptized, my wrongs are washed away,
And I can be forgiven and improve myself each day.
I want my life to be as clean as earth right after rain,
I want to be the best I can, and live with God again."

On May 7 Jack followed his Savior into the waters of baptism.

Another Primary song:
"And when we are confirmed, by sacred priesthood power,
The Holy Ghost is given to us to guide us every hour.
Oh may I always listen, to the still small voice,
And in its light I'll do what's right each time I make a choice."

Jack also received the gift of the Holy Ghost. A promise that he will have more help than he used to in making good choices and better understanding and recognizing truth and all that is good.

I think, perhaps since I am a convert, that I was especially sensitive to helping him understand that this was his choice, not anyone else's. That at 8 he can be baptized, but that he shouldn't do it just because that is what happens when you are 8 and your parents are members of the church. I didn't want him to look back on this day when he is in his teens and struggling to define so many areas of his life, but perhaps especially trying to anchor his testimony, I didn't want him to look back and feel like it wasn't him making this decision.

But I am amazed at the strong testimony Jack already has. I am impressed by his understanding of the scriptures. When his Primary president came over to talk to him about baptism, she asked what he was most looking forward to. Jack's response, "Making a covenant." He is looking forward to showing his Heavenly Father that he is ready to do anything his 8 year old self can do to keep his covenant, the promise he made at baptism to take upon him the name of Jesus Christ.

To say I am proud doesn't quite explain how I feel. My heart is full. I know the path he has chosen will bring him more happiness and joy than any other road he can take. He has entered in at the gate, and now can stumble along the path with the rest of us, trying to do his best, listening to the Holy Ghost, repenting when he falters, and clinging tight to the hope and promise of eternal life.