For this

 By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace ... . (Galatians 5:22a)

It was a boisterous baptism ... one long remembered.

Three small children bounced against the font, stirring waves on the face of the waters. I handed them two baptismal candles to hold until the moment we lit the light of Christ for Amelia and Madeline, twin girls.

Wide-eyed at their great responsibility, the children stood quietly until they discovered baptismal candles make fine swords. The ensuing fencing match proceeded half-way down the center aisle, until they were summoned to the water’s edge ... as each infant was lowered into the waters of eternal blessing.

Completing the rite, Will, the twins’ four-year brother and victorious fencer, held back, not wanting to leave the font. He looked up at me, and I spontaneously reached for the anointing oil and marked him as I had marked his sisters. “Beloved Child of God, you have been sealed by the Holy Spirit and marked with the cross of Christ forever.”

“He blessed you,” his father whispered as he led him back to the front pew.

 “You were born for this,” the inner Voice of Love whispered at just that moment. But the Voice was not just for me.

The Spirit’s inner speaking is the deep truth of every human life, in every situation. Each of us is born to know and to share the joy of God’s love flowing through us.

Just give yourself to bless the moment, whatever it is. And listen. The Spirit will tell you what you need to know

David L. Miller