The same rules don't apply.

As a life coach I take people through a process of making decisions and then help them to work out how they can implement those decisions. That is a defined cognitive and sometimes emotional process which can be relatively clear cut.

 

The journey of spiritual formation is a journey to the heart. Which is not cognitive or necessarily rational, it is spiritual and emotional. Therefore the same rules don't apply.

 

One of the observations I have made that there don't seem to be too many constants. When you open your heart to the spiritual world you need to be careful. Not all elements in the spiritual world are good nor interested in your welfare. Sounds encouraging to be involved in spiritual formation doesn't. However having previously been involved in education for 34 years I can affirm to that little learning takes place without mistakes and failures. We must be prepared to risk and confront danger in the search for goodness.

 

I love the way that Henri Nouwen puts it:

 

"But how can avoid this danger? I think by no other way than to enter the heart, the centre of our existence, and become familiar with the complexities of our inner lives. as soon as we feel at home in our own house - discover the dark corners as well as the light spots, the closed doors as well as the drafty rooms - our confusion will evaporate, our anxiety will diminish, and we will capable of creative work and a spiritually informed life."

 

I have experienced this over the past weeks as I purposely open myself to God. I have discovered the dark spots in heart; the judgement, anger and pride for starters. God has highlighted the sin I have chosen to ignore. As I come closer to the Father the light shines onto  my darkness to bring forth confession and allow the healing touch of the Holy Spirit to minister to my heart. I must say it is not always fun being confronted with your own reality. I have understood the importance of the lost discipline of confession but now I know practicing it at a level I haven't experienced previously.

 

I am starting to understand my heart a little more.