My first silent retreat took place in August and there was absolutely no better way to wrap up this beautiful year. I am forever grateful for God’s attentive provision.
The retreat description sounded amazing: the silence, the reflection, the prayerful pursuit of discernment. Just one thing gave me pause—the spiritual direction. Each retreatant would be given a spiritual director for daily guidance. I wondered why I might need such a thing, as I was already walking so closely with God.
Then I met her. Sister Kathleen came from a different religious orientation than I and our lives had followed quite different paths, but at our first meeting I knew God had placed me exactly where I was supposed to be, safe in the loving arms of this wonderful, wise lady.
Christians need other Christians. God wants us to not only speak openly to Him, but to one another. It is vital to have someone who can hear the aches, triumphs, failures and songs of our hearts and receive them with discernment and the love of Christ. Sister Kathleen encouraged me and greatly enlightened me to perceive the ways God was working in my life. With keen insight and skill, she shared scripture and helped me to see the Word of God in my own life, deepening my understanding of God’s will for me. I continue to see her to this day.
Christians need the guidance of a wise friend or a spiritual guide who has a strong relationship with Jesus Christ and can help them see how He moves in their lives. Pray that God will lead you to a teacher with whom you can open your heart and hear Him speak to you in new ways.
And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Hebrews 4:13
Meeting God at the Park 