Spiritual Connection
Coming up on the 11th of November, which falls on a Saturday, is a spiritual reflection time for Advent. It will be held at Holyrood Church and will run for 3 hours, starting at 11 a.m. I will be attending. I previously participated in the same event two years ago, organized by the Deacons at the Gold Coast North Anglican Church, and it was a valuable experience. If anyone wants to join, please let me know.
As I’ve been thinking about spiritual direction and other harder to pin down aspects of my life with God, it has occurred to me that I’ve been a bit lucky. I have found myself in communities and moments where highly skilled individuals have facilitated spiritual connections and direction. Meaning that sometimes, I take for granted the ways in which I assume I can connect with God. I’ve attended all-night prayer vigils in the desert of Yulara (Uluru), I’ve prayed within the awe-inspiring Church where Martin Luther posted his theses, and I’ve lived in a rural town, spending time lying on my back, watching shooting stars and praying. It was so clear that I remember seeing about one shooting star every minute. These are just a few of the experiences I’ve been fortunate to have.
When I reflect on those moments, I’ve consistently found direction and a way forward in my life through them. Whether it’s been clarity around a decision or the quiet inner voice guiding me to ask the right question to remove and blockage. I’ve never been handed precise instructions, as great as that would be. For me, these experiences have provided clarity and determination when faced with challenging times. They have held me steady in the things I am doing and have never been bad choices.
I recall a time more than ten years ago when I had finished my last job and was feeling a bit lost. I spent time in prayer, spoke to friends, and trying to figure out what I was meant to do. The only thing I could come to was to help run the Sunday school at St. James Anglican Church in Biggera Waters. I had no idea why, but it seemed like a good fit while I was in transition. From there, a recommendation came that led to my hiring as the youth minister.
So, as I head into this time for reflection for Advent, I was keen to see who else might like to come and experience a time of connection with God and his word. I cannot guarantee anything life-changing but I can guarantee a time to stop and reflect on your life as a Christian and as someone who believes. And maybe you’ll find something you’ve been looking for, or even something you didn’t know you were looking for.