Why did you decide to be a Spiritual Director?
“Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”
― Howard Thurman, The Living Wisdom of Howard Thurman: A Visionary for Our Time
Seven years ago, I walked away from my career in teaching and church leadership because I was burnt out, disembodied from my work, and experiencing very little joy. I entered into what would become a 5-year discernment process, distancing myself from any ministry and work that felt like an obligation. In the past, I was used to making important life decisions out of a sense of responsibility and duty. I acquired many skills by learning how to be “good” at whatever my community needed, whether it be for church, family, or neighborhood. For example, I went as far as getting a master's in teaching. Teaching had never been my gift, but I became good at it because I thought it was what was needed for my neighborhood. Later, as I reflected back to what brought me the most joy about teaching and ministry, it was being with families, comforting colleagues who would show up during classroom breaks to be prayed for or listened to, having young ladies from our neighborhood over for dinner, or making space in our living room for church.
During my discernment process, I confided in a friend who also happened to be a chaplain. We often had conversations exploring potential new vocations. She called to my attention the various ways she’d observed how naturally I engaged people in authentic conversations, how my presence made people feel safe enough to be vulnerable. She shared that watching me parent gave her insight into how I would care for others. She asked if I had ever thought about being a spiritual director and also connected me to an organization for training. What was most meaningful about this experience was how she listened and invited me into an idea that aligned with what I was already doing. I spent time examining my story and listening to the Spirit’s movement. I thought about the times that made me most come alive and made space to dream. Once I decided to become a spiritual director, my community responded with resounding affirmation and encouragement. I can’t describe in words what it feels like to align my natural gifts and lived experience with a practice I love - for myself and for the communities the Spirit calls me to accompany.
