Having experienced over 40 New Years, I have been inclined to agree 
with the U2 song that says, "Nothing changes on New Year's Day," until 
this year. This New Year was promising to be more of the same - getting 
together with family, eating too much, counting down the seconds, and 
hugging everybody while the city rattled with fireworks - when my 
daughter Lydia called me aside and said, "Daddy, I want to be baptized." 
Gulp. She explained, "I want to start the New Year a new person. I feel 
ready."
     Yes, this was a different New Year. We went down to the swimming 
pool and right before fireworks started raining through the sky, Lydia 
was immersed into Christ.
     It was strange not being with our spiritual family at this moment. 
We were with Edda's family, most not part of the church. They probably 
thought the procedure weird, but were supportive, and we were happy they 
could witness a new birth and reflect on spiritual matters.
     Thank you, God, for Lydia's decision. Thank you for answering our 
prayers.

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