In continuing our exploration of Quaker spirituality at adult religious education, the Ministry and Worship Committee is turning to the subject of clearness committees.  We may be familiar with the basics of clearness committees but how often do we think about them as bringing us closer to God in our discernment process.  Discernment always seems to start by asking questions.

Several years ago, I heard Brent Bill speak at Lake Erie Yearly Meeting.  He suggested four questions that should be asked when facing a decision: “Is there beauty in it?  Is there truth in it?  Is there life in it?  Is there love in it?”  In thinking about the decisions that you have made in your life – good or not-so-good – how do these four questions help?  Could they uncover a more Divine direction in your decision-making process?

We can help each other to consider the way forward in making decisions.  Often another person may have a lot more insight on how you are feeling than you know yourself.  Sometimes we do this informally around the snack table but some decisions are best considered away from the madding crowd.  For these we may have a clearness committee.  (The Pastoral Care Committee is willing to form a committee for you.)  Illinois Yearly Meeting’s Faith and Practice asks the following questions about clearness committees: “Am I willing to ask for a clearness or support committee for help in dealing with significant issues in my life?  Is the meeting willing and able to provide clearness and support committees for those who request them?  Are the meeting’s processes for the formation and performance of clearness committees clear and readily available?” 

When have you felt spiritual guidance in making a decision?  What reasons do you have for hesitating to involve the meeting in your decision-making process?  Please join our discussion at 9:15 am on January 13 and 20.