by Libby Doss Lloyd, APR, Contributing Writer
Spiritual Direction is not a new concept or practice. This journey through self-reflection, self-discovery, life meaning, and motivation has been alive for centuries. United Methodist Church founder John Wesley believed it to be rooted in the questions of, “How is it with your soul?” and “How is your relationship with God?” Honestly, both answers take time.
If a global pandemic has taught us anything, it is that in many ways we have come full circle. We’ve felt the need to hit the pause button. Our longing for real connection has moved to the forefront, and our need for direction has become more important than ever. Life analyzation and reflection have superseded the world’s fast pace. We have come to a point of remembering our love for Jesus Christ, and God’s love, mercy and grace are at the core of it all. Our relationship with God is everything.
So, back to Spiritual Direction. What is it, really? In simple terms, it is the gift of time. Time for quiet. Time for calm. Time for listening. Time for connecting with God. Time for clarity. Time for healing. It’s a look into our life’s mirror and really seeing our reflection.
Are we in this journey alone? Thankfully, we never are. A wonderful way to begin Spiritual Direction path is to seek a certified spiritual companion. The church has spiritual directors who are trained to walk with you on your journey and guide you every step of the way. To learn more, visit here.
Next, you may think about attending a Spiritual Direction retreat. Typically, these events teach new practices to help you on your journey: journaling, spending time in nature, connecting with God, meeting with spiritual directors and fellowshipping in groups. The beautiful Mount Eagle Retreat Center located in Clinton is hosting a Spiritual Direction Retreat for women October 21-23. Space is limited. For more information, visit here.
Mount Eagle board member, Amy Shores shares her thoughts on Spiritual Direction by saying, “Spiritual Direction has had an amazing impact on my life. I’m a person who likes to constantly be busy, and direction has helped me to learn to slow myself and do a better job of listening to and noticing the things of God. It has been a journey of learning more about myself, more about how I interact with others and the world around me, and more about the nature of who God is and what God may have for me.” Amy is the director of University of Central Arkansas (UCA) Wesley. She is also working toward her Spiritual Direction certification.
Does Spiritual Direction have a place in our lives? Absolutely. Spiritual Direction leads us from our mirror to our window. There, we can move forward in cultivating and growing our relationship with God. It’s a journey worth taking.
“The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.” – Isaiah 58:11
“You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny.” – Psalm 73:24