Before Mr GP set out to "shadow" the Tour de France riders, he booked some sessions with a coach. The coach didn't ride the route for him, nor tell him what to do ; but worked together with him providing regular encouragement, companionship, accountability and above all, a space where he could best prepare himself physically and mentally, for whatever challenges awaited. Thus maximising the chances that Dear Spouse would be able to safely work within his capabilities, interpret the prevailing conditions as accurately as possible, and live his experiences to the full.
If Dear Spouse had just read a few cycling books, thrown a map and puncture repair kit in his panniers and set off - the experience might have been at least, less fulfilling and at worst, downright dangerous. Good intentions are no substitute for taking responsibility for one's own safety and well-being.
A soul friend/spiritual companion/director likewise doesn't "tell you what to do," solve all your problems, travel your journey for you or tell you what they "think" God is saying. Their role is more to provide a regular, objective, intentional space where you can begin to sense these "nudges" of the Holy Spirit for yourself. It's not always easy. I know I often see what I want to see, hear what I want to hear; my human frailties distort my ability to discern what God might be trying to say to me. Dear knows, we don't have to look far to see what tragedies result when people have used "The Word of God" to justify their own agendas.
Think of a director as an extra pair of ears, there to listen with us at those times when our own shell-likes may be in need of a syringe.
Christ sent the disciples out in pairs, remember!
Hope that helps.
GP - thank you so much for this and your previous post. This really is an amazing and precious (and sometimes misunderstood) ministry. Anon poses an important question to which I (and, I hope, he/she) think you've given a brilliant and sensitive response. People are sometimes horrified/bewildered when I tell them that this is what I do for a living - and train others to do it!
ReplyDeleteI suspect there's a post of my own brewing - but I'll certainly link back to yours. Cheers!
Thanks, Antonia. Yes, do brew away - looking forward to hearing what you have to say. ramstoprac's points about humility , self-doubt and awareness of Christ at the centre of our callings in her blog have set me off musing again. Had you read those?
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