Worth the Wait

By Jessica Larsen

Based on a true story

The author lives in Texas, USA.

Why couldn’t I be baptized now?

“To be baptized as Jesus was … is just the thing I want to do” (Children’s Songbook, 104).

“Today we are going to learn a new song,” Sister Reid announced. “It’s called ‘Baptism.’ Everyone close your eyes and listen to the music.”

I closed my eyes and relaxed in my chair. The pianist started playing a melody that sounded soft and graceful, like flowing water. Then Sister Reid started singing: “Jesus came to John the Baptist, in Judea long ago, and was baptized by immersion in the River Jordan’s flow.”

I felt a tear slide down my cheek. I tried to wipe it away before Mom could see, but it was too late. Mom was the Primary president, and she always saw everything. I saw Mom look at me and smile sadly. She knew why I was crying.

After church, my little sister, Julie, hummed the song the whole ride home. I stayed silent.

“Do you want to color with me?” Julie asked when we got home.

I shook my head. “Maybe later. I’ve got to do something first.”

I found Dad in the living room. He was sitting in his favorite chair with a book open on his lap. He liked to read while Julie, Mom, and I went to church.

I took a deep breath. “Dad?” I said. “Can I get baptized?”

Dad closed the book and asked me to sit by him.

“Oh, Sadie. We’ve talked about this. My answer is still no,” he said.

“But I really want to!” I said. “I turned eight a few months ago, and I’ve thought about it a lot. I know the Church is true, and the longer I wait, the more I know I want to be baptized.”

Dad shook his head. “I still think you’re too young to make such a big decision. But you know I love you.”

“I know,” I said. I knew Dad wanted what was best for me. He just didn’t think I was ready to make this choice.

I ran to my room and bowed my head. I prayed harder than I ever had before. “Heavenly Father, I really want to be baptized. Please help Dad understand.”

At first nothing happened, but I stayed on my knees. The melody of “Baptism” ran through my mind. After a while, I didn’t feel so sad. Instead, I felt peaceful inside. I started thinking about all of the things I could do, even though I couldn’t be baptized yet.

I could keep praying and keep going to Primary. I could be an example for Julie, and maybe I could even ask Mom to fast for me next week.

The peaceful feeling stayed with me as I headed down to dinner. I didn’t know when, but one day I would be baptized. And it would be worth the wait.

Six months later, two days before her ninth birthday, Sadie’s dad gave her permission to be baptized.