Two gift-wrapped shoe boxes sat before us, accompanied by a card. We were still basking in the joy (and exhaustion) of the Easter Vigil baptism of our first-born as we opened the card and then the shoe boxes. Inside were gifts from our son Peder’s godmother, Heidi: tiny sandals and man-sized sandals. In the card, she wrote:
“I give you two pairs of sandals to mark the day of your baptism. The little ones will support you when you make your first steps. You went to the font alone, but you came out connected to all of God’s people: people like me, who love you and who will support your every step.
“The larger sandals will support you when you are a young man exploring God’s purpose for your life. Every time you put them on, remember this day and your connection to God’s world and God’s people. Thank God for your identity – child of God – and a mission – to serve and love your neighbors in the world.”
This message is excerpted from “Sandals of faith” by Julie B. Sevig in the September 2018 Gather magazine.
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