This was the room where I practiced listening. In the early years of life, I talked far more than I listened and I have the report cards to prove it! Becoming a“listening professional” was never on my radar. My other jobs as a pastor, human rights advocate, podcaster, and speaker, seem to fit my talkative self well. Listening was underdeveloped, and definitely my learning edge! In 2002 I started seeing a spiritual director and soon after began studying the art and practice of Spiritual Direction.
After my formal training as a spiritual director (SD), I was asked to offer Spiritual Direction in my formation community, The Transforming Center(TC). Here I listened to pastors and Christian leaders talk about their journey. As Dr. Gerald May. said, “In spiritual direction, the true healer, nurturer, sustainer and liberator is the Lord, and the director and directee are seen as hopeful channels, beneficiaries, or expressions of grace for each other.” Getting beneath the surface of one’s life takes time and someone who will support and listen with you.
So, for Nine-quarterly (27 months) retreat communities I listened to people talk about their life with God, the good, bad, and ugly. I’ve marveled at the work of the Holy Spirit in people’s stories. God was always so close, even when directees weren’t aware of it. As Elizabeth Barret Browning said, “Earth is crammed with heaven, and every bush is aflame with the glory of God. But only for those who see and take off their shoes; the rest just pick the berries.” To companion directees as they listen to their life and discover where God was all along is seriously Holy Ground. Everyone needs a place to say what is true and find out what is even truer- God is good, and you are loved.
Scott did the math and calculated that my invested time at the TC was 20+ years (with retreat communities running concurrently.) This Tuesday will be the end of that era. Yep, Sunday-Tuesday marks the last days as an onsite SD for retreatants at the TC. While the TC doesn’t offer SD on retreat at this time, their SD services continue here.
So, it is with a heart full of gratitude, that I mark this time and say thank you to my beloved teacher, Dr, Ruth Haley-Barton. Ruth’s guidance and presence in concert with the Holy Spirit and the TC community have formed my soul. Ruth’s willingness to say yes to the call on her life created space for me to say yes to God’s call on my life as a Spiritual Director.
My TC colleagues and friends are some of the most exceptional people God ever created. Each of them has marked me with grace. I have learned to listen with you and I will never forget <3
I love these friends beyond words!
Now the journey will continue for me as God intends. I am wide-open to what will be. I still offer SD for people through Crossroads Soul Resources and serve Crossroads Church as Co-Lead Pastor, but this life-altering season has come to an end. In addition to offering SD, I have a Peer Supervision Group of SD’s. These Dr’s & Professor’s journey with me in professional development and practices that keep me awake, receptive and accountable to Love.
How do you take care of your soul? Do you have a place to listen to your life? A place to bring about spiritual freedom? Is it time to take the journey? If so, find a spiritual director that will help you discover the motions of your soul and the beauty of your one-and-only magnificent life.
With God,
Clare