Is this Spiritual Direction? - By Margie Upson
BY MARGIE UPSON
The phone rings. Unknown caller.
‘Are you a spiritual director?’ ‘Yes’.
At this point, I have the sense that this is not going to lead to the regular, monthly times with someone deepening their spiritual walk with God.
And as we continue to talk together, it is confirmed that this person is isolated, lonely, tangata whaiora – mentally unwell- and yet aware of God’s presence in their lives and desperately yearning for more of that.
These calls are infrequent but also increasing.
I try to ask about any church life, usually in the hope of re-directing them there. If it is present, they are still not receiving the in-depth relationships they seek with others, and with God.
A few have been negatively impacted by their church involvement, so this is not the answer for them.
More so than ‘regular’ directees, there are obvious mental and social needs present also. As a counsellor, it is a temptation to ask more about these.
But as I attempt to keep the focus in the classic way of spiritual direction on the presence of God in their lives, the responses are universal and surprisingly refreshing.
The mystical seems close to these informal directees, with the presence of God noticed in light and shadow, creatures and birds. Minds are not confined to traditional paths, still they seek support in hearing the voice of God among other conflicting voices.
‘Is this spiritual direction’? I ask myself, and my supervisor.
It is irregular, unpaid, so different from my usual experience.
Yet it is a conversation with someone seeking to experience more of Christ in their life.
So yes, I consider it spiritual direction.
And continue to answer those phone calls.
Margie Upson is a spiritual director and counsellor on the Kapiti Coast. She also debriefs returning mission people. She delights in these encounters and seeing the way God integrates these different disciplines. .
