I'm in my second year of spiritual direction certification training at Richmont Graduate University. The first year was filled with reading, exploring spiritual formation practices, learning to listen, and practicing spiritual direction with other students in the cohort. This year, there's all that and practicing with a brave group of volunteer directees.
I am trying to unlearn my need (and bad habit) to interrupt and ask too many questions. My tendency to teach and "fix" and give the "right"answer. It's exposing my fear of "What if God doesn't show up?"
I'm learning to "zip my lips" and wait.
I'm learning that God does show up and if i slow down and am quiet, He will give the directee the comfort of his presence and maybe even the next small step. I'm learning it's so much better when she hears it from the Spirit, and not from me. On his timeline, not mine. That He loves them so much more than I do.
It's been worth the cost of tuition if for nothing more than being a better parent to adult kids. Can I slow down, stop giving my insight and "advice," and trust that God will give them what they need when they need it? Shut yo' mouth, mama, and listen. See what the Lord can do. And find out how much more He loves them than I do.
What are you (un)learning?
Live Lightly
What if people are attracted not just by light but by lightness?
Do I think I make Jesus attractive by my gravitas, seriousness, burden-bearing, sighing?
So be content with who you are, and don’t put on airs. God’s strong hand is on you; he’ll promote you at the right time. Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you. 1 Peter 5:6-7 MSG
What if I really believed he cares for me, is careful with me, that he will not let me be blown away if I live lightly? This downy feather responds to the breath of the wind. It floats. It rests. It doesn't cast stones; but even without much substance, it does casts a big shadow.
Would you rather imagine children chasing feathers, dandelion seeds, bubbles, and butterflies or strapping on heavy backpacks? What if we tantalize them with our lightness instead of breaking them with heavy burdens?
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Matt 5:16 MSG
What would it feel like to live “freely and lightly" and not labor so hard in my Christian life?
Then Jesus said, “When I sent you out and told you to travel light, to take only the bare necessities, did you get along all right?” “Certainly,” they said, “we got along just fine.” Luke 22:35 MSG
Travel light. Let God carry the heavy stuff.
(I've begun a 100-day project of choosing one of my photos and thinking of one word and Scriptures that resonate with it. And all the questions stirring inside. Because as I grow older, I'm living in the questions much more than the answers. I'll feature a few of my photo-words in upcoming newsletters.)
A New Offering: Spiritual Direction
What is a “spiritual director?”
A spiritual director (also called a spiritual companion) invites you into a safe space where you experience deep listening and insightful questions as you explore your faith journey. It is unlike counseling that deals with life problems and emotional healing. It is different from discipleship, mentoring, and coaching where the emphasis is on instruction, development, and goal setting. Spiritual direction focuses on the relationship between you and God and seeking the Holy Spirit together.
What led me to train to be a spiritual director?
In this season of life, the best gift I can give people is a safe place, an attentive ear, gentle questions, and prayer to allow them a space to process, struggle, and grow in their faith. I desire to be a “soul-tender” walking alongside people, helping them hear God’s voice and find their own.
What can you expect?
Spiritual direction begins with an introductory session to find out what I offer and if it will be a good fit for you. Sessions take place in a home-office setting or by video chat for about an hour, usually once a month. We will begin by quieting ourselves through a reading, prayer, or a moment of silence. The rest of the time is yours to explore, pray, wrestle, and rest. My role is to listen and help you hear from God. It may end with a prayer or a suggested exercise.
Why try spiritual direction?
“It is difficult to find a place where we can speak openly and honestly about our self-perception because we fear looking self-centered, unworthy, or inadequate. Trusted friends may try to ‘fix’ us or comfort us when really we need to address our thoughts by speaking out loud about them and by taking them into our prayer. Looking clearly at things in the presence of God brings clarity, health, and growth. Spiritual direction conversations provide a setting in which to do this.” Jeannette Bakke, Holy Invitations
Want to give it a try?
Email me at nancy@nancywcarroll.com or call or text me at 205-276-6848 to ask questions!