Sacred Listening

God and Perspectives

When you take a look at the photo in the banner above, what are you seeing? Is it the ocean swirling near a rocky shoreline, with water spraying upwards? Or is it a cloud in a dark, stormy sky hovering over an icy snow pack with snow blowing over the surface? Perhaps you see something totally different? Isn’t it interesting how one single image can project multiple perspectives? How interesting it is that we can become so enamored of our own perspectives, we might totally miss or even dismiss the reality of the image. Did you ever consider how our perspectives, built from our experiences and understandings, might influence much more than how we see images. Our perspectives may also influence how we relate to our Creator, to God, or whatever we might call that source of life.

A limited perspective can sometimes cause me to miss or even dismiss reality and spirituality at work in my life. When applying this idea of “my perspective” to my spiritual journey, if I am not really paying close attention, I may not even realize that the person who just reassured me or presented me with a solution to a seemingly insurmountable problem was most likely more than the amazing coincidence I thought it was. This reminds me how much more involved God might be in my life than I ever take time to realize.

I have not always been someone who can easily see God’s handiwork in my life. It was the wonderful guidance of spiritual directors who accompanied me and helped me to see God’s hand that made that difference. Once I began seeing Him at work, the easier it seemed to be to see His handiwork, to thank Him for it, and to develop a stronger relationship with Him. That is why spiritual direction is so vital to spiritual growth. Spiritual direction (or accompaniment) helps us to consider different perspectives so we don’t miss God or our Higher Power’s hand at work in our lives.

As a Roman Catholic, I found my tradition spent a great deal of time teaching me to understand the rules and create an image of God in my head. As I have matured in my faith and spiritual development, I have come to know my loving God who lives in my heart. I have found that others, not necessarily Catholics, and not necessarily Christians, all hold a piece of this Greater Power within them. As we journey our own paths, it seems we are all searching to fill or (is it find?) something. We look outside of ourselves seeking to fill that longing. We miss God working in our lives and living within us as we view our lives through our perspectives. We might see coincidences and opportunities that are self-designed and self-created, or write it off as just plain luck, missing the true Source of our good fortune or problem solving. Our limited perspectives can minimize our abilities to see God in our lives.

I sought a certificate in spiritual direction so I could work with God in supporting others on their journeys as other directors have supported me. I have also completed coursework which allows me to guide individuals through St. Ignatius’ Spiritual Exercises. It is a privilege and honor to accompany others on their journeys with God as our guide. I have grown to understand God more broadly than my Catholic experiences and look forward to accompanying anyone who is interested in exploring a variety of perspectives. I would love to hear your perspective and your story and have the opportunity to journey with you.

My Most Favorite Things : Reading - Listening to Music - Spending time with family - Writing - Playing with my dogs, Bentley and Charlie - Experiencing the beauty of the world around me - Meeting new people - Listening to people’s stories -

Contact me via email MCorkery44@comcast.net or by cell phone (207) 310-0174 (text or phone call - be sure to give your name and reason for contacting me). I look forward to meeting you and accompanying you for at least a part of your amazing journey.