Have you ever simply entrusted your day to the divine, whom I personally call the Holy Spirit, to guide, guard and protect you? Amazing things e happened to three of us these past two weeks when we traveled east, in order to make a pilgrimage. Our specific destination was in Canada at the Basilica of St. Anne de Beaupre. One day's details were special.
As we were heading south out of Canada I had prayed specifically to St. Christopher, the patron saint of travels, to intercede for us for a safe trip and to take us where we needed to be. We had made several stops in several churches and personally, I had had my fill of of stops and was really ready to get home. Travel had been slow because of various and sundry reasons.
Coming down I-81 my friend asked if we could stop in one more church somewhere along I-81. We were heading toward Syracuse. Hearing that there were about 6-7 beautiful churches there I crankily told her "just one!" All arrows on the web pointed to the Museum and Shrine of St. Marianne Cope. Also, a "prayer service" would begin at 2:30 pm...just about when we would arrive.
Well, to say the least, as I was parking the person in charge was waiting for me to park the car, telling me to park next to the entrance. She then began the program, personalizing the Seven Sorrows of Mary, which brought the 3 of us all to tears; it was so touching. Then, being late and not having eaten, I was trying to move us along so we could eat. With that, sister corralled us, inviting/insisting we come into their little kitchenette to eat leftovers from a little celebration they had had as they were sending off one of the sisters to Hawaii for three months.
Then we shopped in the gift shop, hearing more about St. Marianne Kope and her impact on the people of Hawaii with Hansen's Disease, often referred to as leprosy. This saint has done for those with Hansen's disease, I believe, as much as what Mother Teresa has done for the poor of Calcutta and elsewhere.
This day was only one example of what happened to us when we specifically entrusted ourselves to God's divine will during this trip... too many times to call it a co-incident.
I encourage you to watch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qswli_NzRyU If you are ever in Syracuse it would be worth your while to stop in at this lovely shrine and museum. It is right next to the hospital complex there. Also, their Facebook page is also worth the time. Who knows what might happen when you "stumble" onto this page also!! God is good all the time!
I am a spiritual director with availability of appointments in either Two Rivers or Crivitz, WI. I invite you to subscribe to my blog at MollyLaFond.com. If you would like to do spiritual direction with me, contact me at 920.793.3530.
Being a spiritual director challenges my own spirituality, keeping me "on my toes." My personal spirituality is also tied deeply to my faith affiliation and its traditions, which is the Catholic Church. This is something I cannot just talk "about" but I must indeed live it. Each spiritual director is called to be true to his or her own spirituality, in whatever way they see fit.
As I went through my spiritual direction training, I found it very interesting to meet individuals along the whole spectrum of religiosity, formal affiliations with a particular faith basis, as well as those with no affiliation. My sometimes narrow past was broadened quite a bit after learning more about other belief systems, which included not only Christianity but Judaism, Islam, Native American spirituality and those who simply say they are "spiritual but not religious".
Each of us, spiritual director or not, should be true to ourselves and continue to develop our spirituality they way we see fit. Each one of us is called to be the best person we can be; that includes the physical, emotional as well as spiritual side of us. How we do it is up to each of us. Personally, I believe spiritual direction is a wonderful way to do this.
If you would like to consider spiritual direction for yourself, why not make a phone call today. I'll answer any questions you might have. An hour may make the world of difference for your spiritual life and a wonderful gift to yourself!
I offer two locations for my practice: Two Rivers or Crivitz, WI. To subscribe to my blog see: MollyLaFond.com or call 920.793.3530 for an appointment.
This past week I spent much time at the airport as my brother's plane was delayed, coming from Chicago. We ran into 2 folks I have been acquainted with for many years. Our paths have crossed at various times over the years. This time gave us the opportunity to visit, which certainly helped time pass as all of us waited. At one point, one of them asked me about my business as a spiritual director and my main areas of strength and interest.
So, as I reflect further, I thought maybe you, my readers, would be interested to know what I see as my areas of strength and interest in my spiritual direction business. One area for me certainly is the recovering clients who struggle with addictions. Along with addictions, mental health issues and medical issues certainly are in my arena, since I have oodles of years working in healthcare.
Having facilitated grief groups for nearly 25 years, my heart holds a special spot for those experiencing loss, of any sort. Since I am in the "retirement years", this is another group that I certainly resonate with. It also dawned on me that understanding religious communities is in my comfort zone as is prayer, community life and spirituality. My husband and I have no children so issues surrounding raising a family are not my strong suit.
Even though I may have had a wealth of past experiences spiritual directors are not limited to those few areas of comfort in their life. Training and ongoing education continue to broaden one's capabilities and understanding of situations beyond personal experiences. Sometimes, the "school of hard knocks", disappointments, failings and shortcomings bring a wealth of capability and compassion in listening and understanding others.
I am grateful to be a person that God can use to help others in some small way as a spiritual director! God continues to make straight with many of my crooked lines and I am very blessed to be a pencil in His hands, as Mother Teresa used to say!
If you are interested in doing spiritual direction with me, contact me at 920.793.3530. To subscribe to my blog posts see: MollyLaFond.com
