My friend and I were eating dinner at her kitchen table. As we talked, I’d occasionally gaze out her bay window into the backyard.
She lives in the ‘country’ and I’m a city mouse, so to me, the view is wider and greener. The sky just looks a deeper blue too. The large yard had an even green carpet of grass, dotted by a large wooden swing set and above ground pool. The yard ended at the tree line; the starting gate for acres of forest land.
As we chatted about the day’s events, she turned to me and said, “Quick! Look!” I swiveled around in my chair and saw an amazing sight out that window. A dozen wild turkeys had emerged from across the gravel road and were sauntering across her grass like they owned the place. I’d never seen anything like it. Ever.
The two adult turkeys led the juveniles to the tree line for a snack. Lifting my jaw up off the floor, I asked my friend if she had seen anything like this before. “Not in this great a number, but turkeys do come around.” She was so calm! We watched the smaller birds finish chomping on the underbrush, and then follow the adults along a path into the woods.
It was so good to have my friend there. What an unusual sight…flocks of turkeys don’t appear in my busy suburban village. If I saw this by myself, I’m sure I’d be shocked, but I’d be worried too. What if they get into the pool? Is it okay if they eat the plants? Are turkeys mean spirited? My friend’s calm demeanor, and her reassurance that this was not unusual, put me at ease.
Having someone at your side to navigate new experiences is a gift, not only in the physical world, but in faith too.
Having a Spiritual Director or faith-filled friend to talk with helps fuse your prayer life to the realities of day to day living. They listen patiently as you explain what you believe God is calling you to do. Sometimes, what I hear in prayer sounds as strange as a herd of turkeys in my backyard. “Could that be right? What if I’m just dreaming this up?”
An experienced director will recognize what I’m experiencing, and help me understand the message. I’ve been blessed over the years with wonderful spiritual friends, partners and directors. Together, we’ve looked at my thoughts, fears and faith. Just like my friend that day at the kitchen window, they are excited to point out the joys and truth in my journey. Because of their experience, nothing I say can surprise or confuse. Sharing with them brings me peace and new understanding.
I want to walk with the Lord the best way I can, and at times, I need help to do that. A good partner can guide, reassure and help me discern God’s call.
Surrounded by the Spirit on Facebook
Linking today with: Wednesday’s Prayer Girls
Good reminder of the need and blessings of fellowship.
I’ll bet those turkeys will be in hiding come late November…
Hi Floyd! Being gifted with a spiritual partner really is a blessing.
I was surprised at how skinny the turkeys were. They don’t look anything like the ones I made in art class! Hiding in November? Probably a good idea! LOL!
Have a great Wednesday,
Ceil
Nice post. This is a lovely link~up party. Thanks.
Hi Deb! Thank you! I haven’t been a part of this link-up in a long time. I don’t usually post on Wednesdays, but I wanted to join in again. It is lovely!
Have a good day!
Ceil
Having a prayer partner or spiritual friend makes a world of difference. They keep you level headed, lifted up and encouraged. Thank you for sharing, I may just post my friend a card, just to say hi and encourage her as well.
Hi Marie! (That was my Nana’s name!)
I agree with you, it really is a blessing. It’s such a comfort to know that there are people out there who understand me, and as you say, keep me ‘level headed.’
Great idea about the card! I may just do that myself 🙂
Blessings,
Ceil
AMEN to this my friend. I thank God daily for my friends who are such a strong presence in my life…they guide me, nourish me, teach me, support me and on and on… I have a framed picture from a friend that says, “Friends are God’s way of taking care of us.” IN-deed.
Those TURKEYS!!! WOW. 🙂
Hi Chris! I like that saying! God works in all things, and that includes his people. You are very blessed to have such faithful friends. Our Father really does want to take care of us.
Thank you for visiting, and commenting on two posts. You are so generous 🙂
Ceil
Ceil, I don’t know what I would with out the ladies/people that I consider my spiritual advisors. I certainly need those folks to help me in my walk with the Lord. I also greatly appreciate some of my blogging sisters (you are one of them) to continue to give me insight as well! So glad you got to get up close and personal with some turkeys! We just might make a country gal out of you yet!!
Hi Debby! Oh, thank you for your kind words. It’s so great to be connected through our blogs, isn’t it? Your faith shines in your writing, and in your gift of photography.
Having good friends in faith is such a blessing, and you have experienced that. I appreciate mine too, they have helped me many, many times in my walk.
Oh my gosh those turkeys! They were amazing. You probably see them all the time, but wow, what a sight! Think I have what it takes to be a country mouse??
Have a great day,
Ceil
I just found your blog. How truly uplifting it is.
Blessings!
Winter
Hi Mrs. WT! Thank you for your visit here today, and I’m glad you liked what you saw. I hope we will have the chance to get to know each other better 🙂
Have a wonderful Wednesday!
Ceil
Ceil:
The best friend I have to be with me is Jesus. He listens and always speaks and guides me redemptively.
Hi Cecelia! Your comment reminds me of the song “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.” You can always depend on him to listen and to guide. You are so right!
Have a great afternoon 🙂
Ceil
Your reflections are always so lovely–and so practical! Thank you for sharing them.
Hi Sr. Ann Marie! Thank you for your kind comments, I really appreciate it. I love to share, so thank you for visiting 🙂
Have a peaceful afternoon!
Ceil
Dear Ceil
This post I can so relate to today and I thank you for sharing …
I was in such turmoil today as my dog Jake is in surgery and I had a dear friend that reached out to me and she so eased my fears through her kind and understanding spirit …
Blessings my friend …
Hi Margie! Oh no, I’m so sorry! I hope the surgery went well, and Jake and you are both doing better.
God has blessed you with a true friend to ease your heart. How good he is! Please let me know how the surgery goes ok?
Blessings on you and Jake,
Ceil
This, “I want to walk with the Lord the best way I can, and at times, I need help to do that.” is rich. As is the entire post. Words full of awe, amazement, curiosity, concern, comfort, friendship … all things we need in our walk with the Lord but most especially “help” in whatever form it takes. Ceil, thanks for a wonderful reminder that fellowship with another is a wondrous way to commune with the Lord.
Hi Sherrey! Thank you for your lovely words about the post, I really appreciate your encouragement.
Help does take many forms doesn’t it? God can speak to us in anything, even turkeys! I know I want to be more aware of his grace and presence in my life every day. And to be that help to anyone who needs it.
Have a peaceful night!
Ceil
Ceil, it has been far too long since I visited you and am so grateful that you came to me so I could follow you here. My husband and I were camping in the Texas Hill Country when a bunch of wild turkeys came strolling through the campground (as if they owned that place too!!). They were all adults or grown teens, so no young ones as far as I could tell, but it was cool. I always enjoy seeing wildlife. We are blessed to have a brushy knoll across the street so get foxes, raccoons, armadillos, a deer once, and even a wild boar once. The first three live there but the last two…don’t know where they came from. But they will come into our yard to eat berries from the Anaqua trees.
Boy, did I ramble. It was really about have a spiritual guide when I got sidetracked by the critters. Yes, we truly do need guidance as we walk this journey with the Lord.
Caring through Christ, ~ linda
Hi Linda! It was a treat to see you through the link-up today. I don’t usually do them, but I’m glad I did today.
A wild boar?? Yikes. I think I’d be awed…and scared out of my wits. Do they come out at night, or during the day? I love to see wildlife too, but from IN the house 🙂
They are God’s own, and beautiful. I’m kidding (a little)! I have to wonder where you live. It would be fascinating to see all the creatures. God’s creativity is endless isn’t it?
You can be distracted by the critters, that’s ok. Sometimes they speak as clearly as spiritual guides. But I have been blessed with wonderful people who have helped me.
Let’s stay in contact!
Ceil
I’ve had several spiritual partners who have shared the ways they were blessed by applying the Word to their circumstances. I learn so much from them. I’m also blessed to share my life with a man who loves to talk with me about faith and life. Don’t you just love those moment away from suburbia with a good friend? Great blessing!
Hi Linda! You are blessed indeed! I think spiritual friends are so important. They don’t mind sharing their lives, or listening to yours too. They are true gifts.
Oh yes, I did enjoy my time away. I always do with this friend. We’ve known each other since grade school. I think it’s rare to keep a friendship that long…a real blessing.
Have a peaceful night my friend,
Ceil
Ceil. Isn’t it amazing the beauty of “the present.” To be in the present moment with open eyes and clear ears makes all the difference in the world. The grass is greener, the sky is bluer and the friend at your side is dearer. It is a gift. No looking at the past – not fretting over the future, just. living. in. the. moment. I call it the “present” of the present. Thanks for visiting me today, you are my spiritual guide too. ~ blessings as always ~ Chris
Oh Chris, you are so right. I loved your comment. I know it’s so important to live in the ‘now’ and I didn’t realize that was what I was doing. Yay! Thank you for pointing it out…that’s where the grace of the moment is.
Thank you for your kind comment about being a spiritual guide. There is just something special about Christian blog-friends. We all want to help, pray and encourage. That’s a powerful combo. I’m blessed to be connected to you through our blogs.
Have a restful night,
Ceil
I love your thinking here on this post and having someone at your side to relate to you, your fears, your joys and helping each other along the way.
Hi Debby! Thank you, I really do appreciate the people who have given their time and gifts to me. I know they have made a change for the better in my life. And I think, as Chris was saying, we help each other. You always try to be upbeat and helpful, and I appreciate that.
There’s enough bad stuff going on in the world. We need more people who will support and understand us. Thank you for doing that for me.
Blessings,
Ceil
Strange as a herd of turkeys – well, yes, I sometimes feel like that happens! Love the analogy. Very thankful that the Lord directs our steps. 🙂
Hi Karen! Well, a ‘herd of turkeys’ was plenty different to me. It seemed to work? I’m glad you liked the idea, that means a lot coming from a writing teacher 🙂
May we always follow the direction of his steps! Hope your edits are going well my friend.
Ceil
Having a good friend, one who isn’t afraid to be honest, is one of the great gifts God gives us. So thankful for those He has placed in my life to help me see blessings I would otherwise have missed in life.
Hi Pam! What a wonderful point. Honesty is so important, both in our human and spiritual lives. How can we make progress if we don’t really understand what our problem is?
It is such a joy to be thankful for our good friends, isn’t it? Thank you for all the times you have supported and encouraged me. It’s a great gift!
Blessings,
Ceil
You make a great point about having someone to discuss one’s Faith with.
I suppose having Blogs is somewhat similar. We learn from each other, and can discuss matters or encourage each other about our walk with Christ.
God bless.
Hi Victor! Oh, I know that you have encouraged so many people through your writings and books. That is spiritual support, and I always learn something from your posts. Thank you for that.
Having spiritual friends is a real joy, isn’t it? The goal is to be like Jesus, loving and caring. Who wouldn’t want that?
God bless you too,
Ceil
Thank you, Ceil. That must have been quite a site to see an entire family of turkeys parading across the yard. 🙂 I love to see God’s creatures. They remind me God is still here for us. I sure do hope they hide good enough when hunting season comes around… 🙁
Hi Trudy! Oh my, it was quite a sight for this city girl!
You know, I think I asked about hunting season, and I don’t remember the response. Let me tell you, they didn’t look at all like the turkeys we made in grade school. They were skinny, and no fancy feathers. I think they’ll be able to camouflage themselves just fine.
So nice to meet you today 🙂
Ceil
This was great! Thank you for sharing. So true and good to think about- I am so grateful for the sisters in my life who help me walk through new things!and point me to Jesus! God is so good to provide that ! Visiting from Holley’s blog- (Thanks for visiting me earlier!!- glad to have found your blog!)
Hi Susie! Thank you for your kind words! I’m glad you visited me too.
We are very blessed to have spiritual companions. I think there are many people who wish they could share their faith, but are too shy, or couldn’t think of anyone to meet with. I pray that God will hear their need, and reward them with a partner. As you know, it can be life-changing.
Great to have met you today 🙂
Ceil
I can relate with you about spiritual friends…I am blessed to have a few faithful friends who pray with and for me. I also have found many blogger friends..though we have never met but share the same spirit through Christ.
Hi Dee! I really agree about blog-friends. It’s come up a few times in the comments. We are connected by faith, which is the strongest connection there is.
I’m very happy to know that you have friends to meet with and share with too. Nothing like it. It brings such peace and clarity. God is so good to you!
Have a restful night,
Ceil
Wonderful post, dear Ceil! I remember when I was in college several friends and I were each other’s accountability partners and it made such a wonderful difference in our lives having someone there.
Thanks for sharing this. Love and hugs to you!
Hi Stephanie! What a great idea! I have never heard it termed that way, but it fits. I agree, having a friend who will listen and guide is just the best.
Love and hugs right back 🙂
Ceil
God-ordained friendships are so awesome!! I’m realizing that more and more the older I get!
Hi Deb! I agree with you. I’m not so sure that a personal spiritual relationship was high up there on the list as a teen or twenty-something. I did love church, and groups; and that was enough.
Now, I really love that personal connection. Like you, it’s something that came in time. So glad we got there, right?
Have a great afternoon!
Ceil
Having those spiritual partnerships is such a blessing. Glad you got to see those turkeys. I was mesmerized every time some local ones made their way to our neighborhood. God’s creation is amazing!
Hi Mindy! It was mesmerizing! Good word, I like that 🙂
It’s probably the purest form of awe. Never expected it, had never seen it before. You can imagine my face seeing all them!
Spiritual friendships have really helped me in my journey, and Spiritual Directors too. It really is wonderful to share the desire to get to heaven.
Have a great afternoon!
Ceil
Hi Ceil! Woo..How strange and what a beautiful sight that must have been with all those turkeys 🙂
It’s a lovely truth you’ve shared. We are created for sharing and benefiting from one another. I love this saying in proverbs, “In the multitude of counsel it is difficult to go wrong.” And, thank you Ceil for being a great friend!
Have a great evening!
Bless you 🙂
Hi Shade! It really was strange and beautiful. Never seen anything like it in my life!
Great Scripture Shade, and very true. It’s so good to have Spiritual Friends and Directors to help navigate in faith. It’s good to get differing perspectives.
Thank you for your generous link to me in your post!
Ceil
I’m a firm believer that the right people come into your life at just the time you need them. He sends them to you right when you need them.
Hi Stephanie! I’m sure you believe that so well because you have experienced it. I agree! I don’t think God hopes that we will fail, he wants us to overcome and be joyful! He can use anything or anyone to do that.
I just have to remember to be alert and aware of his grace.
Blessings!
Ceil
“Having someone at your side to navigate new experiences is a gift, not only in the physical world, but in faith too.”
This is so true, Ceil. I’ve been blessed by many such friends through the years too. I’m starting to realize though that I’m now more in the ‘older’ (not old!) end of that range, so more are coming to me. Praying for wisdom to share as I continue to glean it from others too.
Hi Lisa! It must be very gratifying to be able to use your gifts of wisdom and experience to help other people! And it’s exactly what we are all called to do. I am sure you bless many with your insights, I know I am.
Praying for wisdom is a prayer that God loves to hear, and I know he will hear you 🙂
Blessings,
Ceil
I think the time I felt the need for a spiritual director 911 moment was when my father passed away. It was in the painful moment I had doubts about my faith. God ended up working it out for me.
Another thought that jumped at me was how this effects the role of parents. How greatly important it is for adults to continue their faith formation in order to properly guide the children that God has given to us on loan.
Hi Patty! I love your comment, such a good point about parents. Certainly we are Spiritual Directors for our children, and being patient and helpful is so important. They are truly his, and need to be guided to that reality. Great insight!
I am so sorry for your loss of your Dad, I remember reading about your travels on your blog. Praise God for his help to you.
Have a peaceful evening,
Ceil
Ceil,
You’re so right…a partner makes such a difference…I have always appreciated the insights of wiser friends 🙂 Glad you were able to enjoy time with your friend.
Blessings,
Dolly
Hi Dolly! It was a great thing to be able to spend time with my friend. She was recovering from surgery and couldn’t drive yet. Plus, we just had a wonderful time chatting and spending time together.
We are so blessed to have good friends with us in good times and bad, both humanly and spiritually!
Thank you for your visit today 🙂
Ceil
My journey is made better by those friends that inspire, teach and walk by my side. I am blessed by many spiritual friends who I truly cannot “do life” without. Thank you for your wisdom and easy way of sharing your story.
Hi Mary! I like the way you phrased that, our friends, mentors and directors really do help us ‘do life’ in a holy way. Nice!
Thank you for your kinds words, and for the Facebook love too. I am blessed with your blog-friendship and faith 🙂
Ceil
Good thoughts, Ceil. This is an area that has always been lacking in my life. Not intentionally mind you. I’ve been a spiritual adviser to others but never really had one myself for any length of time. I’m glad you’ve been blessed with so many over the course of your life! Have a blessed week!
Hi June! I am so happy to have had good spiritual friends. I have found that you can’t talk to just anyone about matters of faith. To know and have known so many people of faith is a great grace.
How wonderful to know that God has used you to be an advisor to one of his children! I’m sure you were such a guide and gift to them. I’m willing to bet he will use you again 🙂
Have a great weekend!
Ceil