Baptism, what a joy!  We were privileged to witness the grace of God wash over a little girl this past Sunday.  I am forever amazed at God's love for us, who are so insignificant.  When I look at the little ones and how they have nothing to offer, I remember the grace of God that washed over me, that washes over me, a will continue to wash over me. 

Baptism is grace through and through, it is about resurrection to a new life, but sometimes I think people miss the radical aspect of baptism.  Because before baptism is resurrection, it is death.  If we fail to die, if we cannot die, if we cannot put to death the old, then we close the door to our resurrection to the new.  Baptism begins with death, and leads into life. 

Baptism is grace for life.  Baptism is not past tense it is continuing tense.  Although it is true that I was baptized, it is more true that I am baptized, and my baptism is on-going.  John the baptist understood this when he told people that I baptize with water, but one comes after me who will baptize with the spirit and with fire.  Whoa!   Jesus himself was baptized by John in the Jordan, but speaks of his time on the cross as a baptism as well. 

Our baptism is not on a certificate somewhere stuffed in a drawer.  Our baptism is to be lived out daily.  Each and every day we die to our flesh so that the Spirit of Christ may have His way in us. 

Next time your standing in the shower, just close your eyes and feel the waters wash over you.   Take a moment to let the grace of your baptism wash over and soak into your body, mind, and soul.