My Godson Isaac

Last night I became a godfather to Isaac Garrick Rabarts, son of my friends Dan and Chrissy. It was a real honour. I share godparent duties with Ian and Alana, so it’s a three-way split for being mindful of Isaac’s spiritual wellbeing.
I had to think a bit before I said yes to the invitation. A godfather has a specific responsibility to be a leader for the child in terms of God and Christianity, and I don’t take such a responsibility lightly. But I’m not exactly an active churchgoer at the moment. In fact, I suspect the category under which I best fit right now is ‘agnostic’.
However, and this is crucial, when I went through the long journey of self that led me to where I now am, I never turned away from faith. It receded from me, but perhaps I never entirely lost touch with it. I never misplaced my affection for the community of which my family was part, and in which I served for many years. To the contrary, I cherish my experiences, and value the formative role they played in my life. And so, after this reflection, I decided that yes, I could be a good and honest and genuine godfather, because in some way that I can’t quite put into words I am still part of that community; and while I am turned towards different questions now, I have not forgotten what came before.
So, once I settled in myself that I could take on this role with authenticity, I accepted Dan and Chrissy’s invitation; and I can tell you that it was a rare and special honour to be present for Isaac’s baptism and to be there as he was welcomed into that wonderful and supportive community. I look forward to his future!
I must note, however, that there are some things about being a godfather that I haven’t yet figured out. For example, I’m not sure when I start worrying about putting horses heads in people’s beds, etc. I was advised today that this generally waits at least until the child can talk, so I have a bit of time to study up. Just as well.