brockmans blog

We are now into our third day learning more and more about spiritual direction. It is not just class work, however. We meet with fellow learners each day in what NewWay Ministries calls Triads where we practice some of what we are learning.

Let me say at this point I have never felt so explored or exposed. It really is good to be known. Learning to be curious about each other and listening to one another is very life giving. However, that is not the point, but how we can move toward God (hopefully together) as our greatest treasure is. Direction comes from listening and understanding one another and then pointing one another toward the Lord.

We are still in learning mode so there is more to come. When we are not learning which is a very small part of the day I am trying to squeeze out and walk.

Yesterday I was able to get out of the classroom and I headed back down to the chapel to see if I could get some pictures of the chapel from the outside now that we had some sunny weather. I found it challenging to get a clear shot of the chapel due to all the trees. Boy are there a lot of tree heres (says the Floridian).

I found on my way to the chapel (a good 25 minute walk), all kinds of bible verses preserved on plaques on the trail. It proved to be a contemplative walk with much encouragement from all these verses posted throughout the trail system here at the Cove.

We had 90 minutes off this afternoon so after sitting all morning a few of us in the class here at the Larry Crabb Spiritual School of Direction took off for a hike on the grounds here at The Cove. Just as we started thunder clapped above us and the beginning of rain started to fall. We walked quickly into the dense forest and chose a route to the chapel. We figured if it rained hard we could take cover there. Well it was about a 25 minute walk there, which we shortened to about 20 as the rain came harder and harder. By the time we reached the chapel we were soaked.

However, the trip was worth it. We got some good exercise and the chapel was beautiful to see. Here are a couple of shots from the inside of the chapel.

It is my privilege this week to be in Asheville, North Carolina participating in Larry Crabb’s Spiritual School of Direction at the Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove. The physical environment is beautiful. So is the spiritual climate. There are 30 “students” here gearing up to take up the challenge of absorbing a great amount of content. We also will be putting what we can in action as a part of groups Larry is calling triads where three of us verbally process our journey through the material. My group has four in it, and I guess it is an exception.

We just did our introduction to the week tonight and it should prove to be quite a week. My hope is that I will walk away closer to God, and with new experiences and knowledge that will effect my marriage, my family, my friends and my team.

In addition to that I hope I can make some great images as well (photos that is). I will keep you posted.