This was wonderful. I remember my first spiritual director who carefully listened to my life. I remember him taking a deep breath when I said I should help the poor. He told me to pay attention to the horse I hung out with. I was in no shape for that work, though later God called me to teach writing to kids from the inner city of Chicago. He was the catalyst that enabled me to work through stuff and marry my husband. It is such a powerful ministry.
Love the reference to “invitation”. In relation to listening to the Spirit in the routines of everyday life in the household, i was helped many years ago by Esther de Waal’s elegant little book, “Seeking God: The Way of St Benedict”. Completely changed the way i approached washing dishes (amongst many other good things).
I might be in the minority but I think far more people listened to this with longing than resonance. It might just be the streams I come from but sadly this has never been an emphasis. I don't believe I have ever had a person in my life whom I felt was personally invested in my spiritual formation, or at least was invested enough to want to meet regularly for it. There are people I can call, but there has never been someone who has regularly called me or expected to hear from me about my spiritual well-being.
Tragically, I have no doubt that many feel that longing, that lack. I know I have. Conversations like this one, and comments like yours, signal a change, I hope. Lord knows that we need that change.
What a great discussion this was, that hit home for me in multiple ways. I hope there are follow ups. Thank you all.
This was wonderful. I remember my first spiritual director who carefully listened to my life. I remember him taking a deep breath when I said I should help the poor. He told me to pay attention to the horse I hung out with. I was in no shape for that work, though later God called me to teach writing to kids from the inner city of Chicago. He was the catalyst that enabled me to work through stuff and marry my husband. It is such a powerful ministry.
Love the reference to “invitation”. In relation to listening to the Spirit in the routines of everyday life in the household, i was helped many years ago by Esther de Waal’s elegant little book, “Seeking God: The Way of St Benedict”. Completely changed the way i approached washing dishes (amongst many other good things).
Have you read Rowan Williams' book on Benedict's way? If not, you might take a look.
I might be in the minority but I think far more people listened to this with longing than resonance. It might just be the streams I come from but sadly this has never been an emphasis. I don't believe I have ever had a person in my life whom I felt was personally invested in my spiritual formation, or at least was invested enough to want to meet regularly for it. There are people I can call, but there has never been someone who has regularly called me or expected to hear from me about my spiritual well-being.
Tragically, I have no doubt that many feel that longing, that lack. I know I have. Conversations like this one, and comments like yours, signal a change, I hope. Lord knows that we need that change.