10-08-2007

A Beautiful Family

Tonight we attended a service at a Church in which I have previously had the privilege of presenting workshops. I loved this community from the first time I stepped

through their doors. The warm welcome I received each time was heaven-sent, like a spiritual homecoming, a “God wink!” I fell in love with each member individually and the parish collectively.

I told my family repeatedly about this special community and the profound impact they had made on me, like finding respite in the desert. They were life giving water, and they generously fed my soul in all the ways it had been hungry for.

The members had enthusiastically told me about the Sunday evening Youth Mass and told us to visit soon, so I couldn’t wait to take my family. Immediately upon entering, I felt the warm breath of the Holy Spirit that such places exude. The smiles that welcomed us were genuine, and a few familiar faces created an instant sense of belonging.

Attending Mass with a special needs child presents its challenges. Although Jac is the essence of holiness, he does not comprehend the rituals, traditions or the observed silence at appropriate times. Furthermore, usually when people sit, Jac stands. When the congregation stands, he lies down. If they are quiet, he is loud. And whenever music is played, Jac dances. Jac has quite the moves too (look out Dancing With The Stars)!! With his hands waving high above his head, he sways to the music without inhibition. In addition to Jac’s creative worship methods, our one year old, Brooke, is completely enamored by her older brother, Jac, so much so, that during this particular Church service, she tried to emulate his every move. Her spontaneous movements, followed by her own self applause created giggles from nearby congregants. Brett and I are overly conscious in our desire not to cause a distraction, and yet we fail miserably. Now, I know what you are thinking, and the answer is –no. No, they did not have childcare available during the service.

With that said, you can visualize how worshipping near our family might be a little unconventional; our hope is that we don’t inhibit the beauty of the worship experience for those around us, but that is challenging at best.

Following Mass, a friendly woman came up to us, leaned over the pew and said, “You have a BEAUTIFUL family!” We smiled knowing she must have mistaken us for someone else. I responded with a sincere smile and a truthful statement, “We are a mess!” She continued, “You have a beautiful family, and I was blessed to witness the love you have for one another tonight. Through you, I witnessed holiness. I experienced pure joy in watching you together, and with a gentle touch of her hand and friendly wink, she scurried away.

Could she be right? Could our worry about being a distraction actually be a witness to those around us? Could Jac’s spontaneous movement be construed as spirit-filled energy versus an irreverent display? Could the nonconformity of our family’s worship be seen as holy? Could Jac’s noises be seen as joyful?

I had been thinking that we had been a distraction, and instead, God sent a messenger to tell us that we were a blessing, reminding me again that we all have a place in God’s house. We did feel accepted, not only because of this precious woman, but also from the gentle spirits of those around us.

In reflecting on the experience of the night, the Church, the community, the people, the music, one thought kept coming to mind… What a BEAUTIFUL family! We look forward to visiting our extended faith family at St. Thomas More again soon! They truly are the epitome of a beautiful family!

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