Calhoun Text, Part 3, Section: "Discernment"You are half-way through this course, post a reflection on "Discernment" that is a crucial component in your spiritual direction skill set. Imagine that you are training members of your congregation to nurture their spiritual discernment. Post your exploration and insights on discernment.
"opening us up to listen to and recognize the voice and pattern of God's direction in our lives.'' that is the defention given on page99, yet sometimes that seems like a life long discipline. For I have asked myself the questions of how do I know that voice is God's and not my own? My dad used to tell me, that if I was close to God, seeking God's will, praying and following God's law, (scripture), then our will becomes to do God's will.
Well Listening is one of the steps, prayer and seeking God's will, ask for help and council from trusted friends, wise family members and the body of Christ in community. Taking time for this process and not rushing, (wait on the Lord), using both our heads- Like making a pro and con lists of choices and our hearts, listening to the longing of our hearts especailly if both options tend to be in God's Will. Again waiting and listening for the Holy Spirit to move or let one know. I do believe in open and closed doors and in the presence of a peace about a situation. I have even set before the LORD a fleese, a test case, as did one of the old testament heros.
The reflections questions were meaningful especailly the one asking if I wait or just jump in- This has been a strugle for me and I am learning to wait on the Lord. (There is a story here but not enough time to tell it, maybe at retreat)
#3 asks do I beieve that God has only one perfect blueprint for my life? why or why not? Although God wants me to follow in God's way, I do not believe that there is only ONE perfect blueprint for my life. God has given us humans the gift of choice and the brains to go with that gift. Does it matter to God if I went to Christian College A or B. Part of me says No, I don't think so as long as both colleges are Christ Centered, and I am open to growing in my faith. I don't want my children to worry as to which college they are to attend as if there is only ONE perfect one for them and if they miss this opportunity, it will never come back. I know that might not be what some of you believe, but after much thought, I have decided that God does give us choice and we are to make the best choice given all the information we come up with as well as listening to the small, still voice. But what if the answer never comes. I do believe we are to make the best choice and move on it knowing that God goes with us werever we go.
I did excercise #4 and was amazed that the desires of my heart have not changed much and the 7 year plans seemed to have a common core, that of service.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
Listening to God and discerning His voice versus our own thoughts takes time and it is a life-long journey. Sometimes, the clarity is obvious, and like you illustrated how do we utilize discernment in making decisions on which college to attend, car to purchase, or cards to play in Rook? Listening is easier in the desert, that's why I really enjoy cycling, hours alone with God, nature, and some like-minded friends.
Post a Comment