In the beginning . . .

[Shane Tucker]

Hi Kevin. Thanks for initiating this conversation. What has been your experience of / training been like in Spiritual Direction? I just finished two years of training with the Irish Jesuits in Dublin, Ireland and I'm waiting / trying to discern where God wants to take me from here. You?

[Shane Tucker]

Hello Heidi, thanks so much for the message. Sounds like you have a very interesting job! Truthfully, I'm a little envious!

Thanks so much for asking about the discernment process . . . the answer is 'yes'. The what is very clear, it's the when and how that I'm trying to figure out now. I suppose like most things it'll require that oh so delicate balance of doing what you are able to while patiently trusting it will all be made clear in time.

I am convinced of my call to be an 'Anam Cara' (that's 'Soul Friend' in Irish) which is the equivalent of a spiritual director. I also am very clear that God seems to be opening doors to work with / support people who are in the public eye which might include artists / musicians, athletes, politicians and clergy. My desire is to really give back and invest in anyone who is 'on a stage', literally or figuratively, so that they can 'live into' their calling more effectively.

I am in the process of chatting to as many people I know who might be able to speak into this arena and suggest organisations, individuals or churches who might have a passion / see the need for this type of work and could invest in us relationally, prayerfully or financially. In the meantime, I'm exploring full or part-time work possibilities in America to facilitate a return to our homeland at some stage so I can apprentice to a man who has been doing this very work for the past 20+ years.

Much has to fall into place yet.

So what about you? How long have you been working at the Duncan Center? What specifically do you do there?

PS - attached is the Proposal file in PDF detailing the 'Why' of the above vision. Comments are welcome!

[Shane Tucker]

Heidi, thanks for the glimpse into your life . . what you do (facilitating a space for people to exit the maddening, deafening, desensitizing whirr of contemporary life) is an absolutely necessary role and a highly worthy calling - especially in American culture. I am an American too - originally from Ohio.

That's interesting re: the religious artists published . . I'll have to see if I can track that one down.

I honor your efforts to enter silence and, ultimately, allow it to enter you. This area is the one (which I'm sure you'll know) that is always coming up again and again in spiritual writings. Dallas Willard & Henri Nouwen both emphasize building an intimate relationship with God in silence and solitude. Willard goes as far to say that they are the most important practices in our journey with Jesus. Be encouraged! I know it's not easy - I struggle with entering deeply into either but am always drawn back to practicing it too!

By the way - if you ever have any young people come to the center and you use Lectio Divina with them, I produced a resource a couple years ago through the Church of Ireland Youth Department called 'fuel' that repackaged Lectio for younger audiences. You can read more about it here: Two Unique Youth Ministry Resources I'd be really interested in your thoughts on it if you get a hold of one. You can let me know if you would like one / some sent and I can hook you up. I may be able to send a sample PDF file as well.

Blessings Heidi!