The Lighthouse: A Story Of Restoration

Good morning…

As I have shared with you, this season in my life is saturated with learning and teaching about the Enneagram, a study of the nine basic types of people we meet in the world. This dynamic measure of spiritual transformation, conceived of by the Christian desert mothers and fathers in the fourth century, helps to explain why we behave the way we do. It allows us to identify when we are self-protecting under stress and how we grow into the wholeness for which we are uniquely designed by God.

Yesterday, in one of the weekly classes I am facilitating, I shared a story which brings to life the giftedness of the nine distinct personality styles. One friend said, “This story helps me so much to understand the uniqueness of the nine Enneagram numbers. I think you should start with this lighthouse story for each new group you teach.”

And so, I am trying it out on you, our written word community, to see where you might see yourself in this story. Which Enneagram number might most closely describe your God-given wiring?

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The Lighthouse Story by Andy Otto, Enneagram retreat director at Ignatius House Retreat Center, January 26-28, 2024

In a peaceful town nestled by the edge of the ocean, there stood an ancient lighthouse that had guided countless vessels to safety. However, over the years, the lighthouse had fallen into disrepair, and the town decided it needed to be restored. To complete this task, a group of nine townsfolk formed a team.

The One, a methodical builder, was devoted to restoring the lighthouse with impeccable precision. He set high standards and brought order to the chaotic work at hand.

The Two, an empathetic community organizer, played a pivotal role in bringing people together for the restoration. They coordinated volunteer efforts, ensuring each task was attended to with care and everyone felt valued and part of the team.

The Three, a motivated entrepreneur, took it upon himself to raise funds and resources for the restoration. His ambition and determination were infectious, inspiring the rest of the town to contribute.

The Four, an innovative designer, was in charge of revitalizing the lighthouse’s appearance. They used their creative flair to blend tradition and modern aesthetics, ensuring the lighthouse not only served its purpose but also stood as a symbol of the town’s unique identity and heritage.

The Five, an inquisitive historian, delved into the archives to understand the original design of the lighthouse. His thirst for knowledge led him to discover crucial facts that guided the restoration process.

The Six, a resourceful project coordinator, was always prepared with contingency plans and backup options, ensuring the project stayed on track despite unexpected challenges. Their natural tendency to foresee and mitigate risks, coupled with their commitment to the group’s well-being, made them an invaluable guardian of the project.

The Seven, a local event planner, injected excitement and variety into the project. They organized community events to celebrate each milestone of the restoration, turning hard work into a series of memorable and engaging experiences for everyone involved.

The Eight, a determined lawyer, protected the interests of the group and negotiated with suppliers and authorities. Her assertiveness ensured that resources were procured on time and within budget.

And finally, the Nine, a skilled mediator and counselor, ensured harmonious collaboration. They listened to differing opinions and ideas, providing insightful suggestions that often led to innovative solutions. Their ability to see all points of view helped the team overcome challenges and stay united in their mission.

Their individual strengths merged into a beautiful tapestry of cooperation, leading to the successful restoration of the lighthouse. It shone brightly once more, standing as a symbol of unity and the power of diverse personalities working towards a common goal.

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There are likely numbers that are definitely not you and there are numbers that more closely resemble the natural wiring of your Authentic Self. Might you prayerfully consider asking, “God, in what way have you designed me to bring restorative gifts into this hurting world?”

When you listen, really listen, what do you sense from the Spirit? What number might most resemble your set of God-given gifts?

There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.

Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good (1 Corinthians 12:4-7, NIV).

Empowered by the Holy Spirit, today in what big and small ways might we share our God-gifted genius for the good of all? Our individual strengths are designed to merge into a beautiful tapestry of cooperation, leading to the gradual restoration of God’s great creation, a world which has fallen into painful disrepair.

…Sue…

P.S. The first picture is taken from page 2 of The Enneagram Made Easy: Discover the 9 Types of People by Renee Baron and Elizabeth Wagele