October 2024

Why did you begin meeting with a spiritual director/companion? I invite you to respond by leaving a comment below. My short answer is that I needed healing and a pastor.
 
When I was 30, my uncle Gerald died from cancer. My aunt, Geri, and he had served in Bolivia for many years through what is now Mennonite Mission Network and when they returned to the States, Gerald worked there. His memorial service was meaningful as the officiant knew Gerald well and, during further sharing, I realized that many people could have officiated his service. Gerald was well-known and loved by many clergy-type folks. I recognized that if I died the next day, no one could officiate a meaningful service for me – which I wanted. As a pastor’s spouse, it wouldn’t be appropriate for Steve to officiate. I also knew that if life brought hardship, as it does, and I needed a pastor, I didn’t have one.
 
Secondly, as a survivor of childhood trauma and loss, I needed healing. A therapist I was working with at the time, noticed that my deepest wound was spiritual. It was related to the age-old question of why bad things happen to good people. She recommended that I meet with a spiritual director.
 
So, I sought out Mary Herr who was co-founder and co-director of The Hermitage in Three Rivers, MI. This began the monthly rhythm of spending a day of silence and solitude during which, at some point, I met with Mary. This practice changed my life and was instrumental in the healing of my childhood trauma. Eventually, it led to further schooling, becoming certified as a spiritual director and gestalt spiritual counselor.
 
Often people think that spiritual direction and companionship is for pastors or professional ministry types. The reality is that it is for anyone. As a director, I’ve met with many more non-clergy folks than with clergy.
 
Now, more spiritual directors/companions are available for individual sessions and to provide facilitation for group spiritual direction at Pathways Retreat. Here is an updated list. Opening Pathways to additional spiritual directors/companions beyond the former co-directors (Julie, Evan, myself) is part of Pathways plan for succession.
 
Please consider whether the practice of spiritual direction might be helpful in your life now and contact one of these companions. Or, perhaps, it might be helpful for someone you know. Tell them about us. Spread the word!
                                                                                                                                                      Linda Lehman Thomas