The work of spiritual direction is to help us to become aware of the obstacles to divine love and the free circulation of that love within us. This requires the cultivation of a non-possessive attitude toward ourselves and other people. Gradually we learn that God is the true security, God truly loves us and with this love, we can make it even if no one else seems to care. Spiritual direction should primarily be directed to ordinary life. True freedom is God's gift to us, enabling us to serve.
Service is something anyone can do.
We can smile at somebody we do not like. We can send a note of condolence when we would rather not be bothered. We can provide meals without grumbling. We can put up with the children running under our feet, putting chocolate fingerprints on newly plastered walls. This ordinary kind of service and love is what Jesus seems to mean by learning to love as he loved us.