It is not the greatest book I've read on spiritual direction but nonetheless it did have some good insights and helps. It did provides some unique ways of seeing suffering, saying that there are opportunities that also come with suffering. Here's one example put into my words, taken from the book: Can you be grateful for everything that has happened in your life – not just the good things but for all that has brought you to this day? Remember, it was the suffering of God's son that brought forth a family of people known as Christians. Right in the middle of the pain there is blessing for which we can be grateful. Right in the middle of the tears, the dance of joy can be felt. Seen from below, from a human perspective, there is an enormous distinction between good times and bad, between sorrow and joy. But from above, in the eyes of God, sorrow and joy are never separated. Where there is pain there is also healing. Where there is mourning, there is dancing. Where there is poverty there is the kingdom. In ministry together, by our simple joy and grateful presence we can help people become more grateful for life even with pain. Ministers, disciples of Jesus, go where there is pain, not because we are masochists, but because God is hidden in the pain and suffering of the world. ( )

Although this book claims to be authored by Henri Nouwen, it is actually a tribute to him. Christensen and Laird were students of his and compiled this book using Spiritual Direction course material and edited it with some of his unpublished writings. It is a good source book with exercises for those would like to receive spiritual direction or are spiritual directors for othes. ( )

Pieced together by two of Nouwen's students, this book effectively reproduces Nouwen's teaching on Spiritual Direction and the practicalities of Spiritual Formation. With insights into Nouwen's own experience of being formed more into the image of Christ over his lifetime, this book gives direction into what Nouwen calls the disciplines of the heart, the book, and the community. An excellent text. ( )