Spiritual Directors International member Douglas Gregg wrote the following reflection for a bi-monthly newsletter he sends out for Christian Formation & Direction Ministries:

In this article about the "call" to spiritual direction, I want to address a tension inherent spiritual formation, the tension between growth and decay. We would all agree, I think, that growth is basic to all life. But then, what kind of growth are we talking about, and to what effect? Cancer is growth out of control that weakens and kills. And growth often seems to end in decay, so we are tempted to live out the popular adage, reinforced mightily by our culture: “Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die.” But the push to grow spiritually is there; it is inherent in human nature. St. Augustine puts it succinctly: “Our hearts are restless until they find their rest in Thee.” Our potential for spiritual development, for growth in our inner person, is immense; we are made to be “Grand Canyons” inside. So grow we will, but what kind of growth will we have? Will we have growth that is haphazard and out of control or growth that constitutes genuine “formation” of our souls?I’m really drawn to the fullness of life that I see in Jesus and that Jesus offers, by the agency of the Holy Spirit, to those who follow him—a life marked by love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, and self-control; a life where I can bless those who curse me and trust God in a way that defeats fear and anxiety. I know this is a process of formation that is lived into, through ups and downs and failures and successes, and through stages of human development; and I’m committed to staying in this process towards the end of reflecting more of the character of Christ. And what has helped me most to stay in this process of growth and self-understanding is the Christian practice of spiritual direction.

Those of you who are gardeners know there is a real art to making a garden grow. You don’t have the power of growth, but you can help create the conditions that are conducive to growth. So it is with spiritual direction. A good spiritual director helps us to navigate the dynamics and negotiate the often-troubling transitions along our spiritual journeys. A spiritual director listens and reflects back to us what we often cannot see, but which in hindsight seems obvious, opening opportunity for new choices and behaviors. A spiritual director creates a safe place for exploration, so we are able to be more honest with ourselves, and more forgiving and less judgmental towards others as well as ourselves. A spiritual director helps us to discern the pathway of deeper friendship with God.

So there is much to be said for the usefulness of spiritual direction in helping us to grow and develop in a formed way. Just as good gardeners create conditions for plant growth, so spiritual directors help create conditions for spiritual growth. The growth comes from the Holy Spirit. But the spiritual journey is uniquely yours alone, with a spiritual director as a companion on your way, providing prayerful insight and Spirit led guidance and direction.

So, do you desire nurtured growth and development of your soul over time? Then think about getting into spiritual direction. Do you want to speed up that process of growth and development? Then think about answering the “call” to become a spiritual director for others.