Today is my birthday and anniversary

5 years ago, in 2021, I was baptized into Christ for the second time.

The first time I was baptized, I was 14. At the time, I was very sure that was what I wanted. I was also very sure that I was doing it for the right reasons. And I'm sure God honored that.

But five years ago, I wasn't so sure. I don't think my 14-year-old self knew exactly what I was getting myself into. What I was agreeing to. What entering into that covenant actually meant.

So I decided that I wanted to be baptized again, with the right heart posture and intention this time.

Today is my birthday. It's the day that I was born again into God's family.

I went on a walk with God to remember and celebrate this momentous occasion, and the Spirit spoke to me.

Firstly, He reminded me that I'm five this year 😍

In New Zealand, kids start school at five. So technically, in Christian years, I'm old enough for school! That's when I remembered the analogy about milk vs solid food (1 Cor 3 and Heb 5) and thought, "I'm ready for solid food!"

I have grown more in my walk with Jesus in the past five years than I have in the many years prior to my second baptism. If all that growth was due to milk, I'm looking forward to this next season of solid food!

It's also my anniversary. When I decided to be baptized, I entered into a covenantal relationship with Jesus.

The fifth wedding anniversary is known as the 'wood' anniversary. It symbolizes strength, stability, and growth. Five years of marriage mark a stage of maturity, where the relationship is strong enough to weather the seasons.

The image of wood reminded me of Psa 1 and Jer 17: where the human who trusts in the Lord is likened to a tree planted by the water, whose leaf does not wither and yields fruit in season.

In this next season, I want to grow even deeper roots.

Here's to many many more years ahead, until this life is over 💖