It may also help to expand your reading. You may find it helpful in your journey to read various accounts of those who have heard, answered, and followed after the One who calls us—many to intimate relationship and identity in Him. Many of these Christian sojourners describe their experiences in much the same terms as those who went before them, the language of the Christian faith, contemplative experience, poetry and love. But you can also acquaint yourself with the accounts of persons from different faiths or traditions, and recognize in them similar experiences with God, but described in their language, terms and poetry.
But don’t assume or be satisfied that any one of these personal accounts sees it all clearly, has navigated and charted the path correctly—not for others, not for you. Often you will find individual experiences, epiphanies, and understandings in common; but often, perhaps more often, you will read of differing experiences and understandings. Do not be concerned or troubled about places you’ve not been invited to, and may never be. Just walk the road that has been marked for you. And stay prayerfully close and open to Jesus, to God, His teachings and clear leadings.
And these accounts should not be viewed as a source of new spiritual goals or experiences to seek after or emulate. Rather, identify the common experiences, the ones you can relate to, and seek better understanding of them and their value to you, that you may continue forward with God. That’s all He wants, expects, or allows of you. And because each spiritual invitation and experience is just for you and where you are in your journey, each may have its own unique qualities or characteristics. But yes, these accounts may also provide a rough idea, a helpful description of some of what you may yet encounter on your path following after Him. But you can only go where God has invited you, and that’s the only place you should want to be.
Further, if at all possible, it would be both helpful and wise to have the counsel of a spiritual guide or director, a prayer mentor, a seasoned and wise sojourner. They can help focus your prayer life and relationship with God, but also help you through the crossroads, the confusing, misleading and lost periods, the dark night experiences—and keep you on the ancient path, the right and good way. But finding such a person and placing your trust in him is often difficult to do. As is the case at every crossroad and every turn, you must prayerfully, thoughtfully assess the spirits and fruits of the people and experiences that you would have guide your faith journey.
First written: November 2006 - January 2007
© Gregory E. Hudson 2007
