Until I had my first GPS device mounted securely in my car a number of years ago, the idea of traveling beyond my familiar routes would keep me nearly paralyzed behind the wheel. The thrill of a new adventure with new scenery to ponder was lost in the glare of anxiety.
I have always feared being lost without someone to guide me in the right direction. Feeling out of control has been a root fear for me in so many areas of life. Ironically, there has also been longing for adventure.
Spiritually, there has been this sense of “something more.” I can almost see it, almost describe it…and then it is absorbed into mystery. Certainly the “standard” ways of connecting with God have been fruitful and satisfying: Bible study, worship, prayer, journaling, conversations with other followers of Christ, serving, etc. But for me, with each rich experience comes a whisper – “Yes, and there is more.” The feeling is like coming to the end of a clearly marked trail that even with the challenging sections has been so satisfying, you long to continue. But it would be important or helpful to have a fellow traveler who is somewhat familiar with journeying through unfamiliar pathways to accompany and assist me. Someone who lets me discover on my own, but who knows how to provide some much-needed tools or maps for blazing the trail, and good camaraderie to talk to around the campfire in the evening.
In the spiritual sense, I found this person in the form of a spiritual director. I didn’t even know that there was such a person until about fifteen years ago. God brought someone into my life in circumstances that only he could arrange about eight years ago now. Since then our monthly conversations have provided a connection to spiritual journeys that have been unforgettable, delightful, sometimes difficult, but always life-giving in ways I never imagined. This practice, along with others I’ve learned along the way, has helped me see God in the most ordinary of days. Not only see him but find a deeper sense of connection with him in new ways, every day!
While praying about the calling into my own ministry of companionship, I was reminded of a summer morning when my oldest grandson, Caleb, who was then only 4 years old, held my hand as we ventured into the back yard of my home to swing on our really big tree swing. I was somewhat frustrated to see all the leggy, fuzzy stalks of dried dandelions covering the yard. Caleb let go of my hand and ran giggling through these weeds, turned to me in delight and said, “Grams, look at all these wishes!” My little grandson gave me a new perspective that I later explored with God concerning the ordinary, even unwanted items that litter the landscape of our days.
My guess is that some of you may be experiencing a similar longing for encountering God in fresh but spiritually sound ways.
How can you know if Spiritual Direction is right for you?
Does the more you learn about spiritual truth both delight you and make you hungry for more?
Have you often wished for a person you could discuss your discoveries, your questions, and your pain in a safe, non-judgmental way?
Would you like to become more familiar with the voice of God?
How would you feel about increasing your sense of the Holy in the little, seemingly ordinary moments of your day?