A Silver Lining

Amanda’s boyfriend Sean was baptized last night and he asked me to perform the ordinance. He was a little hesitant in asking me because, well, he has been around me lately, but I assured him that I could do it. In fact, I would be honored. My legs could handle it, right? Sean is about my height and is an agile wrestler-type 17 year-old. And we’d be in water. I agreed to it and we proceeded.

All week I was concerned though, not about my legs but my voice. Could I be heard? I’ve baptized dozens of people but never was I as nervous.   I mentally rehearsed the prayer over and over again. Surely I could do this, it was only 28 words! Just 40 syllables! If I could just muster up the voice for 40 measly, but important syllables! I considered recusing myself mainly because I didn’t want to do anything to detract from the sacredness of the ordinance, or the focus on Sean on his special day. It was not about me and my willingness to tempt fate. Seriously, I had thoughts like this. Tempt fate to do what? It was a baptism, not a triathlon! I don’t know why I was so nervous.

We entered the font, took the customary positions and I began. I cannot report a miraculous healing here or even a temporary stay; the voice was weak and strained as usual, and evenings are worse than mornings, but it was audible. When I reached “Amen” I was so relieved. I had done it! Then I had about one second to consider the physical part, which was accomplished with ease. Here is the thing: I was so concerned about the voice thing that I didn’t take any time to worry about the immersion part, which worry would have been in vain anyway. That’s a Silver Lining, right?