I have been long overdue for spiritual direction lately, simply because my life has been filled with transition after transition (exactly when I needed it the most!). I finally was able to speak with my director, and I was so grateful, I cried. 

When you go a long time without spiritual direction you can forget just how impactful and necessary it is for your relationship with God and your overall spiritual health and well-being. It is the opportunity to speak of the “things above”. I always find our conversations to be a holy reality check. Here’s why. 

1. It’s an opportunity to grow in humility.

I could say our conversations “bring me back down to earth” but in reality, they bring me to the things, not of the earth. What spiritual direction intends to do; help the directee grow in their relationship with God. 

Our conversations often serve as a time for me to be small and humble, with openness to see my circumstances with new eyes. For example, to admit that something I’ve done or a path I’ve taken maybe isn’t what God intended. That possibly I’ve overstepped or grasped at something instead of keeping my hands open to receive and give up or give back in God’s time.  

2. It’s a reminder of who we are and what we were created for.

I am always grateful for the informal catechesis and formation that naturally happens during our time of prayerful conversation. So much of our day to day struggles can come from not being grounded in who we are as God’s sons and daughters and what he has created us for: self-donation in line with our own personal Vocation and that of others. 

3. It’s a time to share but even more so a time to listen.

During our conversations, I find myself wanting to interrupt and complain or share more, but in his learned wisdom, my spiritual director leans into the truth, God’s love, and the teachings of the Church and speaks into my hurt and struggles. This so often silences my busy mind and aching heart and I’m able to allow the Holy Spirit to speak through my director. 

4. It’s where you can openly share and receive guidance with discernment. 

In spiritual direction, you have an ear who isn’t always with you who can help you navigate what you are experiencing in the spiritual life and your relationship with God. Is something of God? Or is it of the evil one? What’s got you stuck? Why are you experiencing great peace? Where is God or where is he not in your day to day? While my director is not meant to be a problem solver, but instead, he constantly points me back to God and his designs. Always encouraging me back to the most important relationship, my relationship with God, and how and why man and woman exist and our relationship to the Triune God. 

5. You and your director want something in your life to change.

That change that we both desire is that I focus more and more on my relationship with God and less on earthly things. God desires my heart! He wants more of me every day. How can I give myself over to His love more and more? Never grasping, always open and with trust. 

Are you looking for a spiritual director? 

I’d love to meet you and hear your story! How is your journey playing out in this season of life? Your story is unique to you. I am here to help you learn from this season, give you tools to live each day generously, and to the fullest, living life with a strong Catholic faith that spreads joy, creativity, and most of all love! Spiritual direction with me is always a personalized journey. Let’s get started.

MEET THE BLOGGER

I'm a farm girl from Ohio with an intense love for Christ and His Church. Because I know your relationship with God is holy ground, one of the greatest privileges of this ministry (and my life) is to speak Christ's own words, "Be not afraid," into your beautiful feminine heart. Thank you for being here. 

Before you dive in more deeply... Hello! I'm Amanda Zurface! 

I'm a Certified Spiritual Director, and I have such a deep awareness of your goodness and worth that it both aches and lights me up (it's OK; it's a good ache). 

Forget the junk mail, I’ll send you life-giving encouragement, and resources for ongoing growth, all rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ and the Catholic Church. Consider every email as a page in your very own spiritual direction manual.

Hey, Wanna Journey Together?