Jesus said to Simon, “Push out into deep water and let your nets out for a catch.” Simon said, “Master, we’ve been fishing hard all night and haven’t caught even a minnow. But if you say so, I’ll let out the nets.” It was no sooner said than done—a huge haul of fish, straining the nets past capacity. They waved to their partners in the other boat to come help them. They filled both boats, nearly swamping them with the catch. Simon Peter, when he saw it, fell to his knees before Jesus. “Master, leave. I’m a sinner and can’t handle this holiness. Leave me to myself.” When they pulled in that catch of fish, awe overwhelmed Simon and everyone with him. It was the same with James and John, Zebedee’s sons., coworkers with Simon. Jesus said to Simon, “There is nothing to fear. From now on you’ll be fishing for men and women.” They pulled their boats up on the beach, left them, nets and all, and followed him. Luke 5:1-11, The Message.
Nearly ten years ago I received a valuable tip from a life-coach friend: “When you’re having anxiety over a decision, name what you don’t want,” she said, “and then move on to name what you do want. And as you do, you will feel the energy move from what you’re afraid of to what is possible. Then choose to keep the energy in that life-giving place.”
Since the main anxiety-provoking issue in my life at that time was Joel’s move from our family home to a farm for adults with autism, I decided to spend some time practicing moving the energy from fear to possibility. This is what I wrote:
I don’t want to be consumed with fears and anxieties about moving Joel to the farm.
I don’t want to worry that this isn’t going to work.
I want to walk forward in trust, trusting that God is in control.
I want to get to know the other parents and start working on building community.
I want to be in on the ground floor of building something grand.
I want to play a part in making it happen.
I want to be 100% involved, not hanging out on the periphery.
I want to believe that Joel is going to love his new home.
I want to believe that Joel has gifts that have yet to be discovered, and that the farm will bring them to the surface.
I want to foster independence in Joel.
I want to foster new friendships for Joel.
I want for Joel to live in a country atmosphere, where he can do physical labor out of doors and live a healthy lifestyle.
I want to remember that Joel can come home on weekends or for dinner anytime—that we can take him on vacations with us as often as we desire.
I want to remember that the farm will be a place where we can volunteer.
Source: Special Needs Parenting- Key Ministry
