Saturday morning I watched as people arrived to witness the baptisms of Stephanie and Justin Morse. It was amazing to me to see how many people they have in their lives who love and support them so much. I thought of the few people I know who have played such an integral part in their conversion - the sisters, the elders, Cory, April, and Bob & Janae. I am forever grateful for them for being exactly what Stephanie and Justin needed when they needed it. Ever since Stephanie and I got back in touch Fall 2010, I have wished so badly that we could live in the same place, but it has never worked out, except for a few months when she first contacted me. I feel indebted to those who were able to physically be there when I couldn't.
I don't know when it really hit me that Stephanie and Justin were getting baptized. I mean being there and witnessing it made it real, but it never seemed to hit me like a ton of bricks. I guess because I have known for a while that this day would come, and because Stephanie was very good at giving me a play by play of the whole process, it just seemed natural, so her baptism was no surprise. Instead, it was an event that took place naturally in her changing life.
The Morse's baptism was the best baptism I have ever witnessed. Stephanie asked me what made it so good. I thought about it, and at first didn't know if it was just me being bias, since she is my best friend who I've known for nine years. As I pondered, I realized it was more than that. Because Stephanie and Justin not only know so much, but understand so much, the talks that were given were more in depth. They were not your stereotypical talks you hear at the baptism of an eight year old or a recent convert who knows very little about the Church. For that reason, they were more enjoyable to listen to as a seasoned member. Also, Justin and Stephanie shared some of their thoughts at two different points in the program, which added to the spirit felt there. I could continue to try to explain why it was such an awesome baptism, but in all honesty, words cannot adequately express what I felt or why I felt that way.
The closing hymn was "I Stand All Amazed." I went to sit by Stephanie, and I whispered in her ear, "I told you so." She just smiled. Things had come full circle. I attempted to sing the hymn, but the words hit me more powerfully than normal.
I marvel that he would descend from his throne divine
To rescue a soul so rebellious and proud as mine,
That he should extend his great love unto such as I,
Sufficient to own, to redeem, and to justify.
Stephanie and Justin may have been the ones who were literally baptized, but as I had witnessed that ordinance, I felt like I had been converted again. Watching them take such a great leap of faith had filled me with renewed hope and faith. The power of the atonement had become real again in my own life. Being a witness in their conversion process has reconverted me in just the way I needed it most. I am so grateful to a loving Heavenly Father who always plans things perfectly.
That night, Stephanie, Cory, and I talked about things that Stephanie had done or said during this whole process. One of my favorite things Stephanie said, without knowing at the time what she was saying, was after she and Justin had gone to the Brigham City Temple Open House. The sisters had asked them how they felt, and Stephanie had said, home. For us, it's obvious what that meant, though Stephanie didn't realize it at the time. What was obvious to me and Cory a long time ago is now obvious to Stephanie. Now she realizes that the spirit had been leading and guiding her all along.
Sunday afternoon, Stephanie and Justin were confirmed. To be able to listen to their confirmations was again a special experience for me. Tears of joy rolled down my face. Receiving the Holy Ghost to be our constant companion is the greatest gift our Heavenly Father has given us in this life. I am so excited for Justin and Stephanie to have that same blessing in their lives that I do in mine.
Tuesday morning, Stephanie, Justin, Elder Getts, Elder Hernandez, Cory, April, and I went to the Provo Temple and did baptisms for the dead. It was so amazing to think about how Stephanie and I had been there before, but just outside. Now she can go inside with me. Again, things have come full circle in almost every way. In a year, when Stephanie and Justin receive their endowments and are sealed, the circle will be completely complete.
Again, I am so grateful to have been a small part in Stephanie and Justin's conversion process. I truly feel indebted to them forever because they have helped me in ways that they'll never know. It has been a blessing to watch from the sidelines as Stephanie and Justin become converted and continue to become converted every day. It makes me want to be better. It reassures to me the importance of missionary work. And it reminds me of what matters most in this life.
"For behold, this is my work and my glory-to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man." Moses 1:39
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