I said yes …
To an invitation to journey with a spiritual director. I don’t know about you, but I didn’t know what a spiritual director was when I first heard the term. My curiosity was piqued however, and I started to read about the practice and talk with Rev. Mary and Deacon Cindy. I discovered Spiritual Direction is a Ministry in the Episcopal Church. And that piqued my curiosity even more. Why, as a life-long Episcopalian and active in my church, hadn’t I ever heard of or met a spiritual director? In early 2016 a spiritual director spoke at one of the Community of Hope meetings. I surprised myself when I realized I wanted to know more and to see if it was a fit for me. Although I knew I was drawn to the idea, the timing was right only three years ago. I want to share with you a little about the growth and joy I received.
Spiritual direction is about being helped to notice God’s activity in prayer and daily life, to pay attention to God’s personal communication and to respond and grow in your experience of God’s presence in your life. A trained spiritual director is someone who listens, notices, questions, and reflects what is being shared. I have noticed a growing awareness of God throughout my day and a calmness that has permeated my thoughts and habits. My director is adept at listening and asking for more reflection on words and concepts she hears and notices. She has repeatedly helped me see a new reality in parts of my life, how those parts tie together, and are steps in my overall spiritual journey. I cannot tell you how many times an “ah ha” moment has taken my breath away and a peace descends. I am constantly amazed at the Holy Spirit working in my life. Spiritual direction has lessened my anxiety over the events of the last 15 months in my life.
I am happy to talk with anyone whose curiosity has been piqued. I received so many blessings that I enrolled in a three-year training program to become a spiritual director to offer this ministry to others.
Again, I said yes …
