This has been a busy weekend. A nephew born; a prophet remembered; a daughter baptized.
We were informed early yesterday that my sister-in-law had experience a sudden loss of containment with regard to incubating fluid (her water broke); in practical terms this meant that—one way or another—the baby would be delivered within twenty-four hours. (In “olden” times, they reputedly just let you stay home until your contractions kicked in, but there are too many complications and the risk of infection is too high, I’ve been told, so they take steps now.)
Late in the afternoon, it was decided that things were not going as the doctor would like to see, so they ordered up an emergency C-section. (I have since learned that any non-preplanned C-section is deemed an “emergency.”) I am now the uncle of another nephew—one with large hands, and long toes. This makes my brother- and sister-in-law parents. Congratulations, you two! May you be equal to the task. 
Today was also the funeral of President Gordon B. Hinckley, prophet of God. We had other things that would keep us from viewing the services live, but thanks to the magic of things like TiVO®, we are able to watch at a time more convenient.
The reason we were unable to watch is that my daughter was baptized today. It is a joyous time in the life of a father when he can no only see one of his children reach the age when they can decide they want to be baptized, but also when they ask him to perform this ordinance. I didn’t have opportunity to actually be “in the water” for any of those I taught the Gospel of Christ while in the mission field, so when each of my children has asked that I be the one to baptize them, and confirm them a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and to confer upon them the Gift of the Holy Ghost … well, what can I say? It’s a special thing. A darned special thing.
Baptism, the Stain Stick of the soul. Well, that’s not quite exactly correct, nor is that how it was expressed in the talk before the actual ordinance, but that is how I will think of it from now on. We all have these little moments in our life when we do something dumb, something we know we shouldn’t do but do anyway. Baptism gives you that clean slate to start with–to start your “new” life with. Repentance is there for when you make mistakes, when you get those blemishes on your clean, white spirit, as it were. With proper repentance and taking the sacrament to renew your baptismal covenants, those blemishes can be effectively lifted and washed away, as far as God is concerned.
How cool is that?
Then there’s the whole bit with the Holy Ghost. My sis was just a little unnerved by the thought of having to give a talk, but she cowboy’d up and did it, and did a fine job. One thing in particular that I liked was how the Holy Ghost can be a constant companion. For your whole life. Twenty-four by seven. Always. Now, with some people, having them constantly at your side, reminding you of what you’re supposed to be doing, warning you of things you shouldn’t do, etc. can get right up a body’s left nostril. Thing is, with the Holy Ghost there’s a certain … something that, hopefully, motivates you to pay attention rather than buck, push back, or rebel.
Having a bad day? Holy Ghost is there and can help. Lost–figuratively or physically? He’s there and can help. Passing of a loved one, near or far? Guess who’s there to help. Living a nice sane life, driving the speed-limit, wearing your seatbelt, coming to a full stop(!) at stop-signs, and want a little extra help not getting T-boned by the uninsured drunk that’s about to run that stop-sign you just stopped at? The Holy Ghost is there, and has probably been encouraging you to wait just a little longer, or take a different route, or run an errand first, or … you get the idea.
So many ways we’re blessed. So many ways we see that God loves us. So many opportunities to be better than a natural man, to rise up and be more like Him.
