Fr. Ron Rolheiser writes that to name something properly brings a certain peace of mind. St. John of the Cross tells us that the process of spiritual direction works this way: first, there is the raw experience itself, the flow of events in our lives that triggers a bevy of thoughts and feelings that both stimulate and perplex the soul. This is like uncut-dough, in need of shaping. Next comes the objectification of that experience. The person seeking guidance must in some way give expression to his or her experience, however crudely, through words, a drawing, a dance, whatever. But this initial expression is not yet an interpretation. That’s the next step. With the help of a spiritual director, the person now searches for a name to properly describe what is happening inside them. Using paradigms drawn from scripture and Christian tradition, the one being directed tests various images, like one would try on shoes in a store, looking for a good fit: “Could this be the same thing as Job experienced? Could this be an experience of the ‘desert’? Is God testing me as he did Abraham and Sarah?” When there is a proper fit, peace ensues. The experience has been properly named, and we have turned raw circumstance into shaped destiny. To name something properly is an act of faith, an act that manifests transcendence. Raw forces are forever impaling themselves upon us, but we get to determine their meaning. We do that by naming our experiences correctly. To pray and to struggle in naming our experiences biblically and in faith is to “read the signs of the times.” And remember, not everything can be cured or fixed, but it should be named properly.