When we’re trying to discern God’s will for us, sometimes it can feel pretty confusing. For some people it’s simple, and clarity is easily found. For most people, finding God’s will can be difficult and agonizing.
“When did you know? When did you first think about religious life?” This is a frequent question. The answer can be as varied as the people asked. Some Sisters knew as a child; others, when they were in high school or college. Sometimes the thought comes from something read that leads to serious consideration, or some experience that brings about deep reflection. It can be a thought like a bolt of lightning, or one that simply comes in the midst of some ordinary day-to-day task. It can come from words heard at Mass or some event that shakes their lives. Considering religious life can come through seeing the example of dedicated religious men and women, through the innocent question of a child, or the question of a parishioner, priest, Sister, or family member: “Have you ever thought about being a religious?"
When someone first becomes aware of the possibility of a call to religious life, there can be any number of emotions: joy, dread, peace, uncertainty, excitement, disbelief, awe, doubt, shyness, denial, resistance… A mixture of feelings isn’t unusual and none of them are wrong. They lead us to set out on our journey to go deeper.
Even though it may be confusing, God is right there with us and will lead us through it all. Sometimes we make discerning harder than it needs to be. God has a plan and He will get you through the confusion. Discernment is an adventure of discovery. Be patient. The Lord will calm the sea.
Do you really want to get to the bottom of the situation? Continue reading. Continue searching.
“You did not choose Me; I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last.” (Jn 15:16)
