A couple weeks ago I attended the New England Conference Pastor's Winter Gathering. The topic of the gathering was "The Art of Spiritual Growth." We were blessed with wonderful workshops on drumming, art, spiritual disciplines, growing healthy relationships, prayer, and self care.

One piece of wisdom that has stuck with me since the event is that spiritual growth does not happen spontaneously. Spiritual growth takes deliberation and discipline. That's not to say that spiritual growth is not a joy. Even in all the joy we receive through spiritual growth, it takes work!

One of the speakers defined spiritual disciplines as those things we do for ourselves. We might not feel like spending time in prayer every morning. (I know I don't!) But as a discipline, I know it is important and it is something I do regularly for myself and my relationship with God.

There are many things we can do to nurture our spiritual growth. As the title of the gathering suggests, it is more an art that a science. Singing, drawing, time spent in quiet, reading, physical exercise, meditation, prayer, writing and conversation are all things that can lead to spiritual growth. What disciplines do you follow to nurture your spiritual growth. What are you doing for yourself today?