That's what the note said, and until I read it I had truly forgotten about that day when 85+ year old Herb decided that God's love in Jesus just might include him. His wife was a regular, but Herb was truly unsure. Part of it was having everything figured out. Nobody does I told him. What kind of God would we have if we could figure God out?
Part of it was wrapping his head around the entire event/concept of Jesus - a gift from God of God for us out of love. Not that there isn't judgment, but rather that judgment always takes place under the shelter of God's mercy. I've often thought of God's judgment as the moment when we know what God has known all along. The truth of that always stings.
Part of it was the wonder of those powerful words we hear in every communion.....'This is my body, broken 'for you' For you. Yes, broken for a whole lot of other people, but also broken for you. God's love in Jesus is for you - and you - and you and....me.....and Herb.
And so he was baptized. Turned out baptism and funeral weren't that far apart considering the long life he lived. Baptized into Christ's death and resurrection and then being commended into God's care and keeping through the promise of Jesus.
It is hard to believe that I had forgotten about that moment because I hadn't forgotten Herb. It's a good thing that God has a much better memory than I do.
What a joy it is to bring this word of salvation to others.
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