As he tenderly lowers you into the crystal clear waters you hear him praying," In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.....", then all you hear is the magical ringing and singing of the water as you are entombed briefly in the watery grave. But as you emerge out of the water there is a sudden freshness to life and a clarity to every created thing you never noticed before. The trees seem more real and more fascinating. The water's touch is a powerful caress. Your soul soars! You sing praises to your creator and your heart longs more and more for Emmanuel.
You sit down with the Shepherd and he starts to give you wonderful counsel. "Sojourner, he says, you have now believed and been baptized but that is only the beginning. You are saved by grace through faith, not by any works of your own, lest you should boast. You are a new creation, created in Emmanuel for good works which He has prepared beforehand that you should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:8-10). He has saved us and called us with a high, holy, heavenly calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before the world began (2 Timothy 1:9)."
"See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore, do not be unwise but understand what the will of the Lord is!(Ephesians 5:15-17)."
"Remember, find the river of life and drink deeply of it. Follow it and you will find purpose. Do not despise the chastening of the Lord along the way and look out for the Enemy - like an Angel of Light or a roaring lion. As long as you stay in His Will you will be safe, but stray even a little bit and you will be torn into pieces! Be wise in who you listen to. Journey well Sojourner. Remember, the answer to your past is in the present and in the present is your future!"
After saying all this the Shepherd gets up to leave, disappearing into the trees. You try to stop him but he is gone and you are left alone again.
You still hear the sound of water from the west and east. But the sound coming from the east is stronger now and more compelling. To the south is 'Mother's Chambers', looking inviting and a place where you can rest your weary body.
What will you do?