Soul Time II
Allium and Bee—photo by Susan Izard
Dear Soul Friends,
Out of the blue a mentor of mine called me the other day. She was my teacher during my two-year internship for spiritual direction in the mid-1990s and supervised my work for the following four years. Over time, we became friends, soul sisters, and began to lead contemplative worship services, workshops and pilgrimages together.
Even though we are from two different religious communities, she is a Roman Catholic nun and I am Reformed Protestant, we share a similar soul story. Both of us are called to be spiritual directors, listening to other people’s soul stories and guiding them toward the heart of God. Both of us are dedicated to nurturing an interior, contemplative journey, and sharing it with others. Both of us love to garden and watch the seasons of the year unfold. She helped me pay attention and trust the Holy moments in my life.
My mentor retired a number of years ago and moved away. I hadn’t heard from her in years, but she called to tell me she’s moving again, this time to a room by the sea in a retirement community of her religious order. She wanted me to know that she is safe and she knows it is time to rest, reflect and trust the journey of the final years of her life. It was a peaceful, gentle conversation filled with storytelling about the times we spent together and surprise that we are both moving to new homes in June. We are both beginning new chapters in our lives.
Sometimes, if we’re lucky, we stumble on a gentle spirit who is the right person to be a guide and mentor. The ancient Celtic Christian tradition calls them Anam Cara, a soul friend. Twentieth-century theologian and spiritual guide, Henri Nouwen, said, “… My deepest vocation is to be a witness to the glimpses of God I have been allowed to catch.”
It might seem difficult to catch glimpses of God in our daily lives, but it’s not. Notice moments of love, awe, wonder, peace, joy and compassion. These are some of the places the Holy One shows up. Having conversations with a soul friend is another, as is worship, writing or watching a bee on a purple allium. It’s just a matter of paying attention.
As you journey through your week, may you be blessed by soul time. May you delight in the treasures of early summer and rejoice in the knowing that you are encircled in light and love.
Deep peace to you,
Susan
