Baptism on the Beach

An historic event happened last week...my parents, my brother, and my sister and Andrew's parents, brothers, and sisters (and their families) were all together for a fabulous vacation. That's a big deal. 24 of us split three houses, and we spent our time fishing off the dock, cooking ridiculous meals, playing games, off shore fishing, kayaking, and playing at the beach. And if that wasn't enough, my brother-in-law Grant finally proposed to his long-time girlfriend Staci.

In light of such togetherness and knowing that getting everyone in one place at one time was nearly impossible, we decided to baptise Jackson and Payton while we were there. It meant the world to us that all could be a part of that. We asked the local UMC pastor in Tybee to perform the ceremony on the beach at our vacation house...it was perfect! Andrew and I (and our families) committed to raising our children in the Christian faith.



Andrew's mom wrote a song for Jackson and his sister Hilary sang it to us then. It perfectly captures the spirit of Jackson and all that we felt at his birth and hope and pray for his sweet life. :)



Mommy, you always longed for me
Dreamed of just who and what I would be
And now you're in wonder that you can see
This tiny many from you - is me.

You knew that I was Jackson
Even from the start
Born for such a time as this
You knew it down deep in your heart.
I'm your gift from Heaven
Because of God's good grace
Rising up to lead men across
To a holy place.

Daddy, you pray I'll fight for the light
Stand up for truth - stand for the right.
Dad, we are buddies - this you can see
I'm proud of you and you're so proud of me.

You knew that I was Jackson
Even from the start
Born for such a time as this
You knew it down deep in your heart.
I'm your gift from Heaven
Because of God's good grace
Rising up to lead men across
To a holy place.

Jesus, one day when I will believe
I'll long for You, like my mom longed for me
I'll be Your son through Your love and Your grace
I'll live for you, for all of my days.

Jesus, You knew that I was Jackson
Even from the start
Born for such a time as this
Created from deep in your heart.
I'm Your gift from Heaven
Because of Your good grace
Rising up to lead men across
To Your holy place.

You knew that I am Jackson.