Read Acts 16:6-10 He knows where not to go

I’m currently taking courses to be a Spiritual Director. I have 4 practicum Directees, and each month I meet with them to test and hone my skills.  I am in my third month of Practicum and I feel like I’m floundering.  I tend to let my natural bent towards advice-giving take over, and that’s not what Spiritual Direction is.  I’ve been giving advice in ministry roles and mentoring relationships for so many years that it’s hard to turn that off.  I know to take off my mentor hat when I’m Directing, but let’s face it – I still have hat head.

So the other morning as I hiked and prayed, I allowed my angst about the upcoming session with a Directee spill out to the Lord.  I want to do well, to honour Him, and to listen for His voice rather than jumping in with my own experiences and suggestions.  As I poured out my heart to God and walked along the main path, I noticed my dog Ruby running off down a side trail that leads to the main road.  I called her name, and she turned and ran back to me.  We continued and again she ran ahead and turned onto a path that we used to often walk but right now is blocked with heavy weeds and bramble bushes. So again, I called her name and she turned towards me, running back to the trail I was on.  The Lord’s Spirit quietly spoke, “Just like Ruby”.  I knew I had my answer.

I also noticed in the passage that Paul didn’t know why the Spirit stopped him those many times until after his long journey of obedience to the inner ‘no’.   They were on foot and that would have been a long walk past many places that desperately needed to hear the Gospel!  It wasn’t until they reached the end of the road that Paul received the Macedonian call.  When I don’t know where You’re going, Lord, please help me to be patient and constantly in a posture of listening.  With speedy obedience to the TRUE Director, the Holy Spirit.  Amen