Tristen's Big Day!

Its Tristens big day today! Today will be filled with lots of joy and excitement as our oldest will enter the waters of baptism. Tristen has been a real blessing in our lives. These last few years Joey and I have casually discussed this big event as we knew it was drawing near. We both agreed that we wouldn't insist that Tristen be baptized right away. We wanted this decision to be his and not a routine "mormon" thing. We felt that it was important for him to understand the committments he was making. But as I sit reflect on what is about to happen I realize that even as an adult you really don't comprehend fully any decision you make until after you've made it.

Tristen is thilled to be baptized by his father. In fact, with the new upcoming changes in our lives we contemplated having Grandpa Ayling do it just in case Daddy was gone, or waiting until we joined Daddy in Germany. The outlook day that Joey was leaving was the second week of January at that time. So initially Tristen decided that in case Daddy was already gone, that he didn't want to wait. He requested to have Grandpa do it. I supported him in his decision. This is his day and his decision and I wanted him to be in control of how, when, and where it took place. The very next day as I was dropping him of at school he said,
"Mommy?"
"Yes."
"I think I'm going to wait to get baptized."
"Why? You don't want Grandpa to do it? All your friends are here."
"But I want Daddy to do it."
"What changed your mind?"
"I don't know, I just want daddy to baptize me."
"Why does it matter if Daddy does it."
"Because! He's my Dad! Duh!!"

I just chuckled. It was the cutest thing. I assured him that it was his choice and if he wanted to wait for his dad to do it then we will.

It's amazing how the Lord works. Tristen desired for his dad to baptize him but he also wanted his friends and cousins to be there. He put his father first. Because of this, the Lord fulfilled both of Tristen's desires. Joey's leave date was pushed off to five days after Tristen's birthday. What an example my amazing son is to me. I will forever remember the lesson he taught through his selfless decision to wait for his dad. What a big heart he has. I just love him!