20 September 1998 was the most defining day of my life. It was the day I was baptized by a missionary from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I remember that things were a bit disorganized, as baptisms can be when you belong to a small branch that doesn't have a font of it's own. There were no jumpsuits in my size, but the elders found a very large white dress of sorts that I donned for the occasion. As it turned out, the elder performing the ordinance bungled some part of the prayer so the initial dunking was for naught. After that the flowing folds of my frock floated above the surface of the water nullifying the 2nd and 3rd attempts. Finally, although it was a rather un-ladylike thing to do, I wound the abundance of fabric that swirled about me into a mass that I firmly squeezed between my knees before we proceeded with the fourth and final dousing. Afterward I teased the elder about messing up the prayer saying I wouldn't have had to get so waterlogged had he been more exact with his words. He, in good turn, professed I must have needed the extra submersions that I might stand truly clean before the Lord. In truth and hindsight, he was probably right.That day in September eleven years ago was the start of a commitment the breadth and depth of which, I admit at the time, I had no idea. Do not misunderstand, I was well prepared and didn't go into things blindly, but as it goes with all of our learning in the gospel, things happen line upon line, here a little, there a little, and so it was and continues to be with me. The one thing that has stayed the same throughout is my unfailing, stalwart testimony that the Book of Mormon, translated by the prophet Joseph Smith, is true. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the only true church on earth and our prophet, Thomas S. Monson leads and guides its members as directed by our Lord and Savior, even the living, Jesus Christ.
I know that I was born with this testimony of the truth, yet it lay sleeping inside me for over thirty years until two missionaries teaching with the Spirit awakened that which I knew not I had. It truly was like coming out of a deep sleep. The elders would say something, (at the time a part of the lesson they had dutifully memorized,) and from somewhere beyond the far-reachings of my consciousness the long-forgotten truth would come through the haze to rest firmly, undeniably, before me. When the elders asked for confirmation of my understanding, many were the times I slowly nodded my head and replied, "Yes, I know...somehow I already know that."
Since then my life has taken many turns as all the while I've walked the straight and narrow. Every good thing that has happened in my life has come to me because of the actions of that September day eleven years ago. Life has not always been easy, but I have never felt a lack of purpose or direction as I did before I became a member of the church. I feel centered and rooted in the gospel - it infiltrates every aspect of my life. The way I walk, dress, speak and see others; what I eat, drink, watch, read, listen to and create; the atmosphere of my home, the way I parent my children, serve in the community and look at that world - all are influenced, all are determined by the teachings of the church. How much better, how much happier I am because of it...
I am forever grateful to those two missionaries that taught me, baptized me and confirmed me a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They brought the message of love and truth that I was looking for. I am grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who knows me, cares about me, leads and guides me. I am grateful for all the wonderful people I meet through the church, for the example they set for me and the love and support they offer me. Truly, 20 September 1998 was the best day of my life.
