I'm in my second year of spiritual direction certification training at Richmont Graduate University. The first year was filled with reading, exploring spiritual formation practices, learning to listen, and practicing spiritual direction with other students in the cohort. This year, there's all that and practicing with a brave group of volunteer directees.
I am trying to unlearn my need (and bad habit) to interrupt and ask too many questions. My tendency to teach and "fix" and give the "right"answer. It's exposing my fear of "What if God doesn't show up?"
I'm learning to "zip my lips" and wait.
I'm learning that God does show up and if i slow down and am quiet, He will give the directee the comfort of his presence and maybe even the next small step. I'm learning it's so much better when she hears it from the Spirit, and not from me. On his timeline, not mine. That He loves them so much more than I do.
It's been worth the cost of tuition if for nothing more than being a better parent to adult kids. Can I slow down, stop giving my insight and "advice," and trust that God will give them what they need when they need it? Shut yo' mouth, mama, and listen. See what the Lord can do. And find out how much more He loves them than I do.
What are you (un)learning?