Called to Counseling
Three years ago, for some reason or another I decided to take Pastor Min’s counseling course. Something clicked and I enjoyed the material. I found it fascinating and resonated with my heart. He had given me a taste and I wanted more. I met up with Pastor Joe and talked to him more about counseling. I wondered if I should take classes to help improve my skills. He recommended the best thing was to read books and just practice with my small group members.
During the class we did an exercise. Pastor Min gave us an actual email he received. He asked us to read it and explain how we would counsel this person. I read the letter and was dumbfounded. I had no idea about what I would say or do in such a situation if this person had come to me. I remember being thankful that no one in my small group had ever come up to me with an issue like this because I wasn’t prepared to handle it. The class discussed it and I realized it was actually more straight forward and not as difficult as I had initially thought. Later on, through various events, I found out that this person whose problem I was thankful that I did not have to counsel, had actually been in my small group. I realized that I was woefully equipped to help my small group members. They face much more difficult issues than I had previously imagined.
I set out to try and be more equipped to help my small group members. I enjoyed talking with them and getting to know them on a deeper level. At the same time, they responded well – probably b/c they were open and honest people. As I got to know people, I came face to face with more difficult issues. I began wondering – if this small selection of people struggles with so much, what about the population at large? Who do they go to or do they just bear it all inside? My heart broke as I listened to the Easter Baptism testimonies. Here is the call but who will answer? I could read and practice but I feel that will only take me so far.
Next week begins my counseling class. I start as someone compelled. My heart compels me and tells me this is the path. Objectively, my small group said I give good advice and I was someone they would go to for wisdom and when they had problems. I feel like God is calling me down the road of counseling. I have no idea where this road will take me. I just know this is the first step of many to come.