I have spent two days this last week at a Coaching Course at Cliff College, I have been both challenged, made uncomfortable and affirmed by it! It was filled with information and participation and the challenge to apply the 80/20 principle to the practice of coaching another, that is 80% listening if you are wondering!

We were taught many other techniques which involved using the COACH model for coaching, and encoouraged to trust the process, a part of that process was being open to the still small voice of the Spirit of God stirring in out hearts and souls as we were either coaching or being coached.

I was surprised by the power of this listening both when I was listening for myself and for others, and I am surprised by my surprise. I spend a lot of time listening to and praying with people, and I do expect God to speak, to be present and to meet us in the encounter, but there was more to this and I think I know why.

I was asked to set my own expertise aside and to trust a model, within that it was suggested that the coach is a facilitator and not an expert, I was not an expert, I was simply participating in listening to another and to God with and for them. Goals were to be set and action points made, and the Spirit was present simply because room was made for the Spirit to be present.

I may not take the training any further, although I hope to, but I am grateful for the reminder that when I dare to listen, when I dare to set myself aside, truly set myself aside, the God speaks, and speaks powerfully. I am thankful for those who listened with me, and privileged to have been allowed to listen to others….

But more than anything I am once again blown away by the depth of insight that the Holy Spirit brings as s/he teaches and reminds , just as Jesus said would happen!

 But the Advocate,the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. ²⁷ Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.