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What a Wonderful Moment in My World
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With specific disabilities or life changes, it's hard to go to public places and community events. Over the years, we've tried various things, and sometimes we were ready, and more often, we weren't. However, we've gained valuable information on what to work on to be better prepared for the future.
I haven't always looked at it that way. I am a recovering extreme thinker of thoughts like, "We will never get to do this!" What I've learned from adjusting my fixed mindset to a growth-oriented one and MORE faith is that we weren't quite ready yet, and some things may not be for us, and that's okay. God is still teaching me how to surrender my worldly desires, which is a lifelong skill.
In 21 years, I've had many opportunities to reflect on and learn from others, which has all assisted us. Sometimes, discussing it with other families who understood and friends with experience helped me prepare by answering my questions. Other times, God reminds me of his timing.
One of our most recent outings was celebrating my youngest son's birthday by going to a candlelight concert in New Orleans. Taking his brother with autism to a concert like this has been on our wish list for years.
We did it! The most heartwarming moments were not watching the band, but observing him, completely captivated by the music and instruments, almost frozen in time with a slight smile on his face that embodied so much underlying joy. That was a magical moment in my world because I chose to be present to it and look for it!
I also received a special moment in Vacation Bible School today when he did 10% of the arm movements to the songs because the body motor skills are hard for him. Yes, there are challenges, and they will always be present, regardless of our path. By inviting the Holy Spirit into our moments to bring peace, have acceptance and to highlight the special moments for us to notice, we can be filled with gratitude.
Thank you, Jesus, for helping me see what matters. It's not what the world says is important, but the moments of life in the relationships you provide. It's these little moments that may happen in a special place or on a special day, but so many more of them occur in our home and everyday interactions that we can take for granted. Help us be aware and look for what you are highlighting in our day, so that we can see what you see.
Gina Sternfels graduated from Immaculata High School and LSU, where she studied fine arts and psychology. She now resides on the northshore with her husband, Roland and three boys. She is passionate about disabilities as she has a son with autism and participates on the Archdiocese Commission on Persons with Disabilities. With Roland, she has been part of Catholic Engaged Encounter for many years.