What does it mean to be a "Seeker?" Or, "How does one begin the spiritual journey of becoming a "Teachable Spirit?" I believe that such a journey begins when we recognize that something is missing in our lives, a recognition that there is an itch deep in our souls that is not being scratched by the old patterns and the familiar ways that used to work for us. Seekers and Teachable Spirits pursue new insights, new revelations and new experiences that we hope and eventually trust will lead to new spiritual beginnings.
For a number of years I have led seminars on the development of a small group program called, Nurturing Experience Theologically--NET Groups. NET Groups are really "Seekers" groups. Persons who have been attracted to such groups are open, questioning, self-aware, non-judgmental and usually in transition. They are seeking more of what is missing in their lives. At the heart of the Seekers, NET Groups program are these questions:
- How is God working in my life experiences?
- What spiritual lessons am I learning?
- How can I be a more effective minister as a result?
If we believe that we are on this earth to grow spiritually, as I believe, then these questions are of critical importance. Seekers will want to try and understand the workings and revelation of God in each experience of life, not just the major experiences, but within even the most common experiences of life. In the words of the Quaker, William Littleboy, "God is above all the God of the normal. In the common facts and circumstances of life, God draws near to us, quietly teaching us in the routine of life's trifles...We have been taught by God when we least suspect it, guided, though the guiding hand rested upon us so lightly that we were unaware of its touch." Seekers are always trying to understand their life experiences in the light of God's leading, whether it be in a conversation with a colleague at work, or sitting by the bedside of a loved one who is dying..."How is God at work in the midst of this experience?"
Secondly, "What spiritual lessons are being learned?" If our purpose is to grow spiritually, then in all of life there are lessons to learn...And many of these lessons are difficult.
Along with a psychologist friend, I once led renewal seminars for religious leaders, called, Sacred Chaos Seminars. As a part of this seminar there is a section that we called, "Messes and Excesses," which tried to open up for discussion the various ways that spiritual leaders have sought to medicate their own emotional and spiritual pain. Our approach was to provide a safe place where we could ask the question about spiritual lessons learned. "What has been learned spiritually in such excess and messiness?" The point was that in all experiences as we seek to learn how God is working, we need to ask about what spiritual lessons we are learning, and as a result, how our various life dances should change.
Finally, there is the question of ministry. Seekers believe that we are all ministers regardless of profession. This has been a continuous theme throughout the history of Cincinnati Friends Meeting. If you are a part of CFM, then you are a minister, whether it is pastoral, like me, or the ministry of teaching, the ministry of marketing, the ministry of counseling, etc. There will be experiences in one's life when we are called upon to share ourselves in ministry, and we never know when such opportunities will arise. "What spiritual lessons am I learning,?" yes, but also, "How do these lessons make me a more effective minister?"
Becoming a Seeker requires us to be open and teachable, and to live in the expectancy of transformational moments. It means that the asking of the three questions just outlined will become habitual in our life experiences. As a result of the growth and development in our deepening spirituality, we may begin to experience the following signs, which were sent to me by a friend who finds himself in the midst of a rapid experience of spiritual growth:
- A tendency to think and act spontaneously rather than on fears based on past experiences.
- An unmistakable ability to enjoy each moment.
- A loss of interest in judging other people.
- A loss of interest in interpreting the actions of others.
- A loss of interest in conflict.
- A loss of the ability to worry.
- Frequent overwhelming episodes of appreciation.
- Contented feelings of connectedness with others and with nature.
- An increased susceptibility to love extended by others, as well as the uncontrollable urge to extend it.
In short, Seekers who are on the path of spiritual growth will walk away from the old and destructive patterns that used to guide their lives, and will, instead, find themselves experiencing life in ways that they never dreamed possible before.
I love this, Jim ~ so many truths here. Thank you for reminding me of how I got where I am, and how I will get where I need to go….