My Journey into Spiritual Direction… “God is light and in God there is no darkness at all…if we walk in the light as God is in the light, we have fellowship with one another…” - I John 1:5,7
So there I was, in the
chair across the room. From a Catholic nun – my spiritual
director. I’ve been on the opposite side of the situation many, many
times, but this was one of the first times that I’ve been on the ‘receiving
end’ of this type of arrangement.
In my profession as a
pastor, one of my roles is to offer spiritual guidance, empower spiritual
growth and give spiritual reflection to others. Therefore, I am
oftentimes on the ‘giving end’ of things labeled ‘spiritual’ – and that is
expected of me. Which is fine – but anyone’s ‘well of spirituality’ is
not unlimited – including mine.
So, before my ‘well ran
completely empty’, I decided to seek out someone who can help me do the same
things that I hope that I do with/for others. Fortunately, I was
blessed to have grown up with parents who enabled me to see almost everything
from a spiritual framework – so I had gained many tools during my life to
‘fill my well’ in different ways. But my tool box needed some
‘refreshing’ in recent years, and so through a spiritual director friend, I
sought out this Catholic spiritual director.
Honestly speaking, it’s
still a bit uncomfortable for me to be doing this. The 45-60 minutes
that take place once a month is time focused on ME, and MY spiritual journey –
it’s a time where I can bring anything I want to talk about, and where God
might be in that picture. But it feels like I’m in the spotlight – not
a place I’m used to (in this respect) nor do I really enjoy being in.
There’s a part of me that would rather be asking my spiritual director
questions and responding to them, not the other way around!
But as uncomfortable as it
is, the things that my spiritual director points out or the questions that
she asks me – is oftentimes eye-opening and makes me think further about my
walk, talk and thoughts about God. It keeps me focused and intentional
about my own spiritual matters, not others. And when I know that
something needs to be done or changed, my spiritual director keeps me
accountable.
Like a light that
illuminates the darker places of my spirit, spiritual direction casts the
light of God into my heart and onto my path so that I may ‘walk in the light’
as the author of the above Bible passage states. And it is in this
light that we are able to have true fellowship with God and with one another.
So, this is what spiritual
direction is about, this is what spiritual growth is about – and yes, it can
be uncomfortable at times. And it does require intentionality and
work. But every question that is posed and pondered upon, every light
that is cast into the corners of the heart to reveal something - make up the
little springs or gushes of water that eventually fill up the ‘spiritual
well’ that we all have. But unless we tend to it, our wells run low or
dry up even.
How is your ‘spiritual
well’ doing today? Is it in need of rejuvenating? Is it in need
of light to dispel the darkness? I invite you to join me in this
journey – of growing spiritually, of being filled abundantly, of brimming
with the light and water of life. Whether this happens in a more
‘formal setting’ – like spiritual direction, worship or personal devotion –
or not, I invite you to think about how God is calling you to tend to your
‘spiritual well(ness)’, and encourage you to heed that call, whatever that
may be…
Prayers and blessings for a lighted, brimming well for all of us,
Pastor Grace Kaori Suzuki
DEACONS' REPORT
The Deacon’s met in October
for our quarterly meeting. As Deacons, we continue to nurture and reach
out to our flock members. We either visit, call, or send a card to
members whom we haven’t seen for awhile. If you have any concerns about
any of our CUPC members or friends, please notify one of the Deacons, and we
will contact them.
Mark your calendars for
Dec. 9th as the Deacon’s will be leading our worship service. We’re
planning a fun and meaningful service. Hope you all can attend.
The Deacon’s have received
two very generous donations for the Deacon’s fund. We would like to
thank these donors for their generous donation is greatly appreciated as are
all donations made to the Deacon fund. These donations help us in
fulfilling our ministries as Deacons.
If you have any prayer
request or needs, please contact the church.
COFFEE FELLOWSHIP:
The Deacons would like to thank the individuals
who have contributed to the coffee fellowship during the month of
October. The Deacon’s are aware there are others who do not sign up on
the list, but contribute. We would like to thank you all. Also,
if you haven’t signed up recently, I encourage you to sign up on the bulletin
board next to the social hall. Thank you in advance.
Irene Woo, Vice Moderator
ARTICLE OF INTEREST
Peace in Our Time
Christ Church will again be
focusing on Peacemaking as the theme for Sunday sermons and study for the
next several weeks. Peacemaking is an appropriate subject to ponder and
consider for the church in this time of conflict.
I further believe that
genuine peacemaking must go beyond prayers and hopes for actual deeds,
particularly for the church.
I have been disillusioned
for the past four years of our country’s conflict in Iraq, and the religious
community’s reluctance to take bold steps to bring Peace. Soldiers sent to
war have the license to kill; in fact, their mission is to kill.
Ribbons have been awarded to those who have successfully accomplished their
mission. To kill is inimical to our Christian beliefs. As
Christians, we cannot glorify conflict. Our mission is to work for
peace and reconciliation. Jesus came to us as “Prince of Peace,” not
“God of War.”
May a genuine Peace come to Iraq and this world in the coming
year.
Kathy Reyes
