I sat on the front porch in the early morning watching the gentle rains splash the earth. Despite torrential rains earlier in the summer, even flood, we had none for nearly a month. The temperatures were in the hundreds for days on end. The grass had turned brown. Deep cracks appeared in the earth. The trees were beginning to show signs of stress with a hue of rust in their leaves. It was so hot our air conditioner strained to keep the house cool but could not. Emily and I would get in the swimming pool about 10:00 at night to cool our body temperatures.
Now this soft blessing of water. I am certain that as I sat on my porch the grass was recovering green. I thought, "Baptism refreshes us."
I know, baptism is supposed to be a once in a lifetime event. But I witness rebirth all of the time in myself, my family, my friends, and the earth. We are washed, restored, revived, and renewed. Sometimes it is like this rain that slakes our thirst. I also drink the holy water when I talk with friends. I taught a summer intensive class this summer at Phillips Seminary. Teaching always renews me.
This tired old self is immersed in some fresh spring and I am cleansed. Sometimes it is a long slow walk, a book of poetry, or the nuzzle of a horse.
