Flip The Switch

How do we turn a light on? The other day I was sharing with someone that when I first sought out spiritual direction for myself, I didn't have a clue to what it was. My ministry as a hospital chaplain encouraged it so I just called a spiritual director, set up an appointment and when the time came, sat down and began talking.  I really just trusted the process and figured my spiritual director would tell me, guide me, "direct" me, but I must have been doing something right because I just kept talking!!

I remember a couple of times, still not "getting it" I simply said, "am I doing OK?"  She smiled and said I was doing great, so I kept talking. This continued one appointment after another.  I kept returning to her because it felt good to talk, be heard and I was uplifted afterward. There wasn't anything I didn't talk about. Once in awhile she would ask me a question or two that helped me see where the divine was in it all.

Pondering all this with the friend I was sharing this with, I told her this was sort of like when I want some light in a room. I just go to the light switch and flip it on.  I have never questioned the details of how the wiring goes in order to make that light come on.  I never questioned the details of what makes spiritual direction work...I just know it does! So, when I think I need details, I simply say "flip the switch...the light will go on!"