Advent and the Enneagram: Compassionate Presence and Spiritual Direction.

Lectionary Reading from the Blue Book =) Matthew 1:18-25

An angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus…“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). from Matthew 1:18-25

Joseph’s life is about to turn upside down. Everything he’s ever known is changing for God’s purposes. I see God’s compassionate presence for Joseph by providing an unquestionable messenger to help him live out God’s call on his life. Have you ever had an Angel appear to you?

I don’t know about you, but this Advent feels like no other. I think many of us sense things are changing for the good of humanity. I need some heavenly help, do you? Spiritual Directors are not “angels,” but they can be messengers to help discern the next steps in your life.

Today my friend and Spiritual Director, Samuel Ogles, talks about how we can benefit from the ministry of Spiritual Direction. Sam quotes James Finley, “spiritual direction is a space where someone will neither invade you nor abandon you.” Many of us see ourselves as what is wrong with us. A Spiritual Director has been trained to listen and behold you as God sees you. This companionship creates a space for God’s compassionate presence.

Enjoy Samuel and his take on compassion for each Enneagram Style.
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