For some now I have pondered the idea of writing a blog but feared not having anything to say. Yes, I know--if you know me at all, I'm sure you are laughing at that thought. ;-)
But today seems like as good a time as any to start. Today I will continue my spiritual journey by beginning anew the practice of Spiritual Direction, something I have missed in the past 10 years. As I prepare for internship and ordained ministry I look forward to the next phase of my journey and carving out time for an even more intimate relationship with God. It will be good to share the journey with someone who is intentionally looking out for signs of God's grace in me and in my prayer life.
In telling my husband about this new journey of having a Spiritual Director, he asked a very valid question, "Don't pastors talk to each other about this things?" Well, sure, of course they do, but Spiritual Direction is a slightly different discipline. It is not so much about mutual consolation and encouragement, although that comes with the territory. This is about my personal relationship with God and my prayer life. Seminary students are great at encouraging one another with homework, sermon writing, parish ministry, relationships, etc. No doubt pastors are as well. But we don't always get to the deep stuff, you know, that stuff about God, about hearing God's voice...about discerning what that means in our life and ministry. That's where I need to go if I am going to be a good pastor. It's a journey of seeking God's grace in my life and naming it.
I look forward to this opportunity to learn the art of prayer from a seasoned veteran and to sharing my journey with anyone who wants to join me in the pilgrimage. May the Holy Spirit draw each of us into a closer relationship with God, and with each other, that we might encourage one another on the trail of Christian life and ministry.
Grace to you,
Jean
