A Church of Scotland Minister and Acorn in Scotland Tutor

I had planned a rough programme for my time away, hoping to pray, to read, to rest, to do some forward planning and to visit some church projects in the surrounding area of Perth.

I had been saying to my congregation that I wanted to spend some time “just listening to God”, which drew a few puzzled looks I have to say, but I earnestly hoped that I would be able to do that.

It turned out that the whole time was one big listening experience.

I reminded myself of the three dimensional aspect of what we call Christian Listening - “Listening to God, ourselves, and others”

As I arrived for my stay at the Bield a Called to Listen course was taking place. It was lovely to see some of my fellow tutors and to catch up a little with them on that first afternoon and evening. It was also good to be part of the special worship times all focussing on the importance of listening.

The next day I entered into a ten day silent retreat, and began to listen for God. I had not expected to have to listen so hard to myself though, but that is exactly what happened.

As I focussed on passages from the Bible, listened to what God might be saying I found these passages threw up all sorts of “stuff” within me, that I just had to listen to and attend to.

In my daily half hour meetings with my Spiritual Guide, I found that as I spoke and he listened, things became clearer and I felt deep healing beginning to take place within. Each time we met it was good too that he used the “three” questions that form part of Acorn’s particular model of listening.

“Out of all that you have been saying what do you think is of most importance?”
“Is there anything you want to do about it?”
“Now that we are finishing how are you are feeling?”

During the day I was out and about walking, listening to the created world all round me. It was a very lovely time to be away, new life springing forth all over the place.
The four weeks went past slowly and I became more and more tuned into God, myself and others.

The last weekend was again spent in the company of Listeners and Tutors, who had gathered for one of their regular meetings. Again in worship and in sharing, in being with these lovely people I was surrounded by a listening atmosphere.

The final day was spent listening to Russ Parker, sharing the new workshop “Lost Voices”

I found the whole sabbatical experience greatly beneficial.
I’ve come home refreshed and renewed, healed and whole, and…………..as many have said, “looking ten years younger”

Such is the power of good Listening, giving space to be changed.

Praise God for this wonderful gift!

Revd Elizabeth Clelland  Minister  Alloa Ludgate Church of Scotland
Tutor for Acorn in Scotland