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Spiritual Direction

It is with some trepidation that I use “spiritual direction” as the title for this inspirational reflection.  It is not that I am against spiritual direction.  In fact, I am very much for it!  I figure most of us would be better off with some spiritual direction.  I know I would.  So what’s my trepidation?  It comes from my Quaker heritage….more about that in a minute.
           
When you see the term, “spiritual direction,” you could take it in a couple ways.  One way to take the term is to see it literally.  We all know what the word, “direction,” means.  It means north, over there, up there, etc.  Direction points to some space or place.  Direction is someplace besides here.  When we ask for directions, we are asking how to get there.  In the old days we consulted maps.  Maps charted the course we could take to get to a desired place.  Now we use technology, but it is to the same end. 
           
The second meaning of the word, “direction,” is the non-literal---the figurative or metaphorical.  We get a sense for this meaning when we hear a phrase like, “I am leaning in that direction.”  The person is not talking about jumping up and walking to some destination nor climbing into a car and heading out.  But directionality is still an indication of movement from here to there---it is a dynamic.
           
When we ask for directions---or even consult a map---we are deferring to an authority of sorts.  Even if we look at a map, we are assuming the authority of the mapmaker.  We assume if the mapmaker said to take this road and, then, that road, we would get “there.”  We would get to where we want to go.  The same thing is true if we stop someone on the streets to ask directions.  In the moment we are giving that person the authority to tell us where to go and how to get there.
           
The trick comes when we add the adjective, “spiritual,” to our sense of direction.  Within the Christian tradition (and other major religious traditions), it is a time-honored option to get spiritual direction.  The idea of spiritual direction is very much like finding a direction somewhere.  In this case spiritual direction is finding your way to God’s Presence.  It often is a way of talking about the direction God desires for my life.  In the old language this is what was meant by God’s will.
           
As a Quaker, I have no problem with this.  In fact, I really would like to know what direction God desires for me.  I am always on the quest to know more fully who I am and what I am supposed to do with my life.  I do want to be obedient, which is the classic way of talking about “doing God’s will.”  So in this sense, I am up for spiritual direction.
           
Part of my Quaker uneasiness concerns the issue of authority.  Quakers always held that any of us---woman, man or child---can experience the Divine One directly.  We do not need an intermediary---be it priest, church or some other entity.  It does not mean priests, churches, etc. are bad or wrong.  To the contrary, I assume the very best in the case of all of them!  But they are not necessary.
           
And so Quakers developed a preference for language such as “spiritual friendship” or “spiritual guide.”  These two terms are less authoritarian.  I am more comfortable with this.  Even if I really am looking for spiritual direction, I am not confident someone can come along and map-like say, “well, do this or go there.”  I prefer a spiritual friend come alongside and invite me to walk along beside him or her as we seek direction for me.
           
I have been graced with this kind of spiritual friendship.  And I have offered that kind of spiritual friendship or guidance to others.  I feel easier with this.  It seems to be a spiritual friend or guide can help another person seek appropriate direction for his or her life.  Just think about it: if someone comes to you and asks, what direction should my spiritual life take, what would you say?  My preference is to say that I would join them in the quest.  It seems presumptuous for me to say that I know the direction for someone else’s life.
           
Spiritual direction (or friendship or guidance) requires a great deal of humility and grace.  I have no doubt God has desires for my life and your life.  And that desire of God for me and you is, indeed, God’s will.  But I am uneasy saying I know what that desire of God is.  Sometimes, I am not even sure what God’s desire for me might be.  Of course, at the general level I know.  God wants me to be loving, to be kind, etc.  But questions of spiritual direction are often more specific than this.
           
And this is why I want a companion alongside my journey.  Indeed spiritual companion might be another way of talking about spiritual direction.  Life is a journey and so is the spiritual life.  It should seem ridiculous to assume that my spiritual direction would be given at the beginning of the journey and never change!  Life changes; so will spiritual journeys.           

That is why we are so much better off with a spiritual director, friend, guide or companion.  What we call that person, finally, is less important that what that person comes to mean to us.  I thank God for such a fellow-pilgrim.
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