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The Work of the People
Spirit isn't Christian, Buddhist, Catholic, Protestant or New Age. Neither can Jungian Psychology, Celtic Christianity, Greek Orthodox, Anglican, Jewish, or Islam claim Spirit as 'theirs.' The current fascination with vampires and our long standing fascination with the occult are but bladeless stabs in the darkness. We cling tenaciously to science as we flail feebly at an invisible presence we flatly deny. You don't sense it? I suspect the sneering intellectualism of denial evaporates in aloneness. Maybe that is why we do everything to keep from being still, quiet, alone and vulnerable.
We ridicule those who attempt to organize that which they are aware of, but cannot see. I heard someone say that Jesus and Satan were walking side by side when Jesus picked up a shiny object. Satan asked him what it was and Jesus said its truth. Satan said to give it to him so he could organize it.
When difficulties come, as they always do, my attempts at window cleaning might help me recognize the assault, but my tiny efforts accomplish little. I embrace the cornerstone upon which my house is built and trust him to bring me safely through the storm; whether on this side or the other side of the window.
Where do you see God in this?
Where does God see you in this?
Is God more concerned with the storm or with your response to the storm?
Do you trust God enough to wait?
Has God called you to action?
If so, how do you know?
What is your motivation for acting, for waiting?
Is God glorified in your waiting or your acting?
The answers are between my directee and God. Neither does my Spiritual Director have answers to my questions. Our questions are never answered the way we want, rather, they are answered in relationship, that invisible presence that gives everything we do, and don't do, meaning.
If you are interested in Spiritual Direction I whole heartedly recommend George Fox Evangelical Seminary, right here in Portland.
"George Fox Evangelical Seminary is a multi-denominational, evangelical, university-based seminary committed to equipping women and men academically, spiritually, emotionally, and theologically for ministry in the church and world."
It
"...exists to serve the present and future church by developing students as leaders and scholars to be influencers in the Kingdom of God. By integrating spiritual formation into a historical, theological, biblical, and pastoral curricula, students are encouraged to deepen their understanding of themselves as connected to God, the Church, and the world."
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