On Sunday morning I stood on the shore of Lake Michigan and watched as a woman was baptized.

My feet sunk into the sand as the cold waves crashed against her and our pastor.

They waded out into the water and I thought about what it must have been like the day Jesus was baptized.

I thought about when God spoke and said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”

Baptism is mysterious and certain.

It is powerful and purposeful.

It is an ending and a beginning.

It is ordinary and intricate.

There is Water and the Word.

I was baptized a few months after I was born. My parents took me to the church down the road and the pastor took water, splashed it over my head, and said, “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”

And I was.

I do not remember my baptism, but I remember it every day.

I hope you remember your baptism, too.

I hope you remember your baptism every time you shower or wash your face.
I hope you remember your baptism every time you jump in the pool or drive past a lake.
I hope you remember your baptism on Sundays and all the days that come before and after.
I hope you remember you are part of God’s family.
I hope you remember you are Beloved.
I hope you remember that you are claimed as His.
I hope you remember the Water and the Word and that you are invited into life everlasting.

Can I get an Amen?

About the Author

Tanner Olson is an author, poet, speaker, and podcaster living in Nashville, Tennessee.

He is the author of I’m All Over the Place, As You Go, Walk A Little Slower, and Continue: Poems and Prayers of Hope.

You can find Tanner Olson’s books on Amazon.

His podcast is The Walk A Little Slower Podcast with Tanner Olson and can be found wherever you listen to podcasts.

Tanner Olson travels around the country sharing poetry, telling stories, and delivering messages of hope.

You can follow Tanner Olson on Instagram (@writtentospeak) and Facebook where you’ll daily find encouraging words of faith and hope.