Adam is Eight

We had another birthday in our home. This one was a little more special than your average birthday. Adam is now a big eight years old. In our church, most kids are baptized when they turn eight. We believe that by the time they are eight they have developed a good understanding of right and wrong and begin to be more accountable for their actions. Baptism is a time for these young people to make their first covenants with God and to demonstrate a commitment to Him.

As bishop of our ward, I interview each of the young people turning eight to visit with them about their feelings about being baptized and to see that they understand what it means to make a covenant with God. It's always a great experience, but it was really neat being able to talk with my own son about such things in that kind of setting. Adam is an amazing boy. He really understands well much of the gospel - he puts things together in his amazing mind and is able to make connections that sometimes I even miss. Beyond his ability to think, though, he feels! He feels in his heart that the gospel of Jesus Christ is true and right and feels that his choice to be baptized is a good and right thing. It was evident his depth of feeling and understanding as I talked with him about his baptism.

Saturday was the big day. About the time we left for the church, it started to rain. Problem was there was a strong cold wind blowing through so the rain quickly turned to ice. By the time it was over, it turned out to be the worst ice storm we've had in this area since we've lived here. After the ice came several inches of snow on top.

Ice and snow notwithstanding, we were able to make the trip safely to and from the church. Several other families braved the slick roads to come and show their support. We were happy for that. The service itself was nice. Adam's great-grandpa was there and spoke to Adam and to the congregation about baptism. I then had the privilege of baptizing Adam. He was very emotional in the font. When it was over, I asked what he was feeling, and he just said, "I feel really really really really good inside." After the baptism Adam's aunt and uncle sang a beautiful song and our good friend gave a brief address after which Adam was confirmed.

Following his confirmation, another of our good friends spoke. She said, "Adam, you are an old spirit in a young body" meaning that Adam's spiritual maturity is well beyond his years (and maybe well beyond many grown-ups years). I thought that was a very meaningful way to say it - he really is an amazing boy in many ways!

After the service, we enjoyed some food and ventured home. Fortunately, we managed to keep our power on through the weekend (many others in the area lost power). Church was canceled so we had just a nice quiet weekend with family.

Following are some pictures of the baptism and also a few of Adam's birthday.