By Dianne McNary

“Our lives are not problems to be solved but journeys to be taken with Jesus as our friend and finest guide…We also need guides: spiritual friends, a spiritual director, or a spiritual accountability group that can function for us as a safe place to bear our souls.” — Henri J.M. Nouwen, Spiritual Direction: Wisdom for the Long Walk of Faith

During the past year, I had some incredible emotional and spiritual lows. I was suffering burnout. I needed something, but wasn’t sure what. I wanted to read and study, but didn’t know where to start. I couldn’t pray, I couldn’t sing. My voice was strangled and cut off.

Finally, I admitted I couldn’t drag myself out of this hole. I reached out for help from my husband and CBF’s member care folks. Through guided discussions and prayer, some meds and time, I began to come out of the fog. I made the decision to spend some dedicated time restoring my relationship with God. During this process, I found “T” who agreed to be my spiritual director.

Previously, I was uncomfortable with the idea of spiritual direction. What is that? Why
would I need this? But at this time in my life, I realized that I needed a little help and my
experience has been nothing but positive.

I have a place to talk through my thoughts without judgment;
to cry or laugh;
to share my highs and lows;
to have someone to reflect back what I am saying;
and to ask questions that I may not have considered,
or am afraid to ask.

I’m so thankful that the suggestion was made and that God led me to a good match for me. Praise for member care and the concern they show for our field personnel daily. Pray for an accepting environment that allows Christians to seek guidance when it’s needed.

PRAY, PRACTICE, PONDER
Today, pray for the spiritual, emotional and physical wellbeing of CBF field personnel around the world. Ask God to continue to provide safe places of respite, encouragement and spiritual support for them. Pray that each individual and family will have the courage to ask for help when they need it, and that their needs will be met with acceptance and openness, and that they will find a “good fit” for support, like “T.”