Dependence Day

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The beginning of July marks two major holidays in Canada and the United States: Today, of course, is Independence Day; this past Friday, north of the 49th parallel, we enjoyed Canada Day festivities.  As Canadians and Americans, we have much to be thankful for as we live in freedom.

Reflecting on these holidays last year, my colleague Rick Apperson encouraged his blog readers to also celebrate Dependence Day.  In at least one regard, independence is not all that it’s cracked up to be: A life dependent on God is preferable to a life independent from Him.  The psalmist confesses how “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”  We depend on our Creator, Saviour, and Sustainer even when we don’t realize it.

I formally professed my faith in Jesus before my church family on 13 June 1993 at First (now Gateway Community) CRC in Abbotsford.  I sometimes think of that as my own personal “Dependence Day.”  I declared my love for and dependence upon Jesus.  The occasion affirmed what was promised to me at my baptism as an infant, that my heavenly Father claims me as His child and fills me with His Holy Spirit.  “Dependence Day” reminds me not only who I am, but also whose I am.  In many ways, my baptism and profession of faith are not simply events in the past, but markers and reminders of a particular way of life, grounded in faith and oriented around Jesus.

Do you remember the day of your baptism, confirmation, and/or profession of faith?  Do you ever reflect on how it continues to form your identity and impacts your life today?
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