Discerning Your Vocation

[Rivii]

I do pray about it, but no answers yet.

I don’t really have any close friends. I did call my foster parents today to ask what they thought and they said they don’t really know. They told me to pray about it.

Hmmm Reflection could help, I suppose. Or think back to when you were a kid. When people asked what you wanted to be when you grew up, what did you say?

 

[Praying7]

I struggle everyday with trying to figure out what I’m supposed to be doing, or even what I want to do.

My problem is that I really have no interests or skills. It seems like everyone has something that grabs their attention, but I don’t. I want my faith to be part of my life, but I feel no calling to religious life or anything related to the church that I could make a career out of. I don’t really see anything in the secular world that’s appealing either. I suppose I might like to get married, but it scares me too.

I just don’t know what I’m here for.

Hi, Have you tried visiting an Opus Dei center? They aren’t religious or anything. They strive to love God right in the middle of the world. Maybe…you could go and check it out.

As for a career in the church, I don’ t think that you should look at it like that. There are priests who see their lives as a career and it is so much more. It is like making a religion profit oriented when it is all about love; love for God and for your neighbour.

Though I agree with you. It’s hard discerning. Sometimes it is very easy to just take up anything and dedicate your life to it. Yet, I know that God made each person the perfect fit for a specific task. I usually like to think that if I was to see what He had in mind whenever He looked at me, I’m sure I would just LOVE what I am made for. However, I am in the dark. I just know that He is preparing me for what He wants. And, I don’t know my vocation because I am not ready yet. Of course, many times just want to get a move on, to know it and to continue with my life. I feel stagnated but what really keeps me going is that whatever it is, it’s going to be even more beautiful than anything I have seen. It will just make me fall in love with God. I just have to wait one day at a time. Very patiently…hoping that I didn’t miss also!

I’ll pray for you.

 

[pollynova]

Hi, Have you tried visiting an Opus Dei center? They aren’t religious or anything. They strive to love God right in the middle of the world. Maybe…you could go and check it out.

As for a career in the church, I don’ t think that you should look at it like that. There are priests who see their lives as a career and it is so much more. It is like making a religion profit oriented when it is all about love; love for God and for your neighbour.

Though I agree with you. It’s hard discerning. Sometimes it is very easy to just take up anything and dedicate your life to it. Yet, I know that God made each person the perfect fit for a specific task. I usually like to think that if I was to see what He had in mind whenever He looked at me, I’m sure I would just LOVE what I am made for. However, I am in the dark. I just know that He is preparing me for what He wants. And, I don’t know my vocation because I am not ready yet. Of course, many times just want to get a move on, to know it and to continue with my life. I feel stagnated but what really keeps me going is that whatever it is, it’s going to be even more beautiful than anything I have seen. It will just make me fall in love with God. I just have to wait one day at a time. Very patiently…hoping that I didn’t miss also!

I’ll pray for you.

There is no Opus Dei where I live. I think the nearest one is in Chicago.

I’m a girl, so I can’t be a priest. I’ve looked at the different religious communities around here and it really doesn’t appeal to me at all. It seems like either you’re locked away for a life of prayer and chores. Or you can like be a nurse or a teacher or something, but those jobs don’t appeal to me even as secular careers.

It sucks being in the dark, doesn’t it. Sometimes I just want to scream, “Tell me what You want me to do! I’ll do anything, but You have to tell me!”

 

[pollynova]

Hmmm Reflection could help, I suppose. Or think back to when you were a kid. When people asked what you wanted to be when you grew up, what did you say?

Well, I haven’t found a school yet that offers a major in being a princess.

 

[Rivii]

Well, I haven’t found a school yet that offers a major in being a princess.

Did you want to be a princess for wealth, beauty, helping people, etc.? Your reasons for wanting to be a princess can be realized in other professions

 

[Marcin_L]

Thanks for your response. I feel the same. People tell me though that there must be something I take a liking to. For example, what are your hobbies? How skilled are you and how long have you been at it? Can you see yourself doing this professionally in the future?

When the answer can’t seem to come around, they tell me to pray. Talk to God and reflect basically. It’s a trite saying to encourage prayer but it does help. Hang out with your friends, see what they’re up to. Do something together and you’ll find something you like to do. They can help you figure some things out too with you in terms of what your interests and skills are.

When the answer still won’t come around, perhaps speak to your parents and ask them what they envisioned you as. See if their ideas are something you can perhaps try out. Trial and error after all. I hope you’ll be able to find your vocation and career. God bless!

It may sound blunt but have you thought of living your life for others and not concentrating on your own hobbies/interests/talents? Some people’s vocation is just this: living for others. And I don’t necessarily mean becoming a priest or a nun, there are plenty of other ways of life that are compatibile with this type of vocation. It’s just a thought.

 

[Rivii]

It may sound blunt but have you thought of living your life for others and not concentrating on your own hobbies/interests/talents? Some people’s vocation is just this: living for others. And I don’t necessarily mean becoming a priest or a nun, there are plenty of other ways of life that are compatibile with this type of vocation. It’s just a thought.

You have a point, which I have considered. I see it though as I will be inadvertently helping people by performing my job in society well and with enthusiasm. Directly helping people was something I did through volunteer work but, sadly, didn’t resonate with me as something I care to do professionally and with all my time

 

[Marcin_L]

You have a point, which I have considered. I see it though as I will be inadvertently helping people by performing my job in society well and with enthusiasm. Directly helping people was something I did through volunteer work but, sadly, didn’t resonate with me as something I care to do professionally and with all my time

“Helping people by permorming my job in society well and with enthusiasm” is almost extactly what Opus Dei is about. Have you considered it?

 

[Rivii]

“Helping people by permorming my job in society well and with enthusiasm” is almost extactly what Opus Dei is about. Have you considered it?

Interesting that you mentioned Opus Dei! I came from a retreat of theirs last week. It really was uplifting

 

[Marcin_L]

Interesting that you mentioned Opus Dei! I came from a retreat of theirs last week. It really was uplifting

I had my first Evening of Recollection last week!!! I guess this conversation shows Holy Spirit at work, doesn’t it?

How was your retreat? I’m planning to go for the first time in Spring

 

[Rivii]

I had my first Evening of Recollection last week!!! I guess this conversation shows Holy Spirit at work, doesn’t it?

How was your retreat? I’m planning to go for the first time in Spring

I concur! Well, let’s see… First, there was socialization amongst the attendees. The seminar I attended catered to ladies in high school and college so it was wonderful to socialize with peers within my age group Then they have some recollection and reflection times. The venue I was in had a chapel so we spent most of the time there. After the reflection, we were given a break to talk about it with our peers. They also displayed books if we wanted to borrow them (interesting material, really) Then our group returned to the chapel for a talk with a priest. He had a lot of interesting things to share and even patiently answered all of our questions about faith and how it applies to our lifestyles and culture in this day and age The retreat ended with prayer. I definitely felt more spiritually rejuvenated since then

 

[Marcin_L]

I concur! Well, let’s see… First, there was socialization amongst the attendees. The seminar I attended catered to ladies in high school and college so it was wonderful to socialize with peers within my age group Then they have some recollection and reflection times. The venue I was in had a chapel so we spent most of the time there. After the reflection, we were given a break to talk about it with our peers. They also displayed books if we wanted to borrow them (interesting material, really) Then our group returned to the chapel for a talk with a priest. He had a lot of interesting things to share and even patiently answered all of our questions about faith and how it applies to our lifestyles and culture in this day and age The retreat ended with prayer. I definitely felt more spiritually rejuvenated since then

Definitely sounds like something I’d like to take part in. I will post here as soon as I’ve been to mine . I have been considering The Work as my way of life for a few months, see the link here: forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?p=10399154#post10399154 .
God bless you and may He help you in your choices

 

[Rivii]

Definitely sounds like something I’d like to take part in. I will post here as soon as I’ve been to mine . I have been considering The Work as my way of life for a few months, see the link here: forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?p=10399154#post10399154 .
God bless you and may He help you in your choices

Thanks for posting here God bless you too!

 

[Lisa1967]

I agree it’s good to discern God’s will for us–but I have found He reveals it one day at a time. I am 45 years old and my life is nothing like I planned or thought it would be. God has taken me down many paths but has always been with me. It’s good to plan for the future but also good to be open to what each day brings.

 

[Praying7]

Definitely sounds like something I’d like to take part in. I will post here as soon as I’ve been to mine . I have been considering The Work as my way of life for a few months, see the link here: forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?p=10399154#post10399154 .
God bless you and may He help you in your choices

Wow. Even I have been considering a vocation to Opus Dei though for years(but I’m only 19). I’m going for my retreat in one day’s time. I’ll pray for all of you. I hope that I will see what God wants!!! I’ll just pray. By the way, if anyone is having difficulty praying, just believe that God is truly present and even though it seems like you are just sitting there, He is working within you without you knowing. The key thing is to be faithful. There is a book called ‘Time for God’ by Jacque Philippe. I found it very useful.

 

[Praying7]

Thanks for your response. Yes, prayer is important and so is receiving the sacraments frequently. So, like you, I should be faithful to my current responsibilities? Sigh… Yes, I have to pray for that. I should pray too that the decision I make coincides with what God wants. Thanks for your words.

You’re welcome. But don’t feel obliged, you are free to do whatever you want.

 

[Praying7]

There is no Opus Dei where I live. I think the nearest one is in Chicago.

I’m a girl, so I can’t be a priest. I’ve looked at the different religious communities around here and it really doesn’t appeal to me at all. It seems like either you’re locked away for a life of prayer and chores. Or you can like be a nurse or a teacher or something, but those jobs don’t appeal to me even as secular careers.

It sucks being in the dark, doesn’t it. Sometimes I just want to scream, “Tell me what You want me to do! I’ll do anything, but You have to tell me!”

That’s sad. I’m sorry but I’m in Africa so it is difficult for me to visualize America let alone its states. I’m also a girl so I understand what you mean. It’s hard. Just take it one step at a time.

1. Try to be closer to God by praying, frequenting the sacraments
2. Love those who are around you and anyone you meet by just being kind and smiling
3. RELAX, God is in control

Usually when I feel like I’m reaching despair. I just say to myself God is my Father and He wants me to know my vocation and He loves me INFINITELY. Just focus on being closer to Him. At least you will be right there when He finally tells you!
Thanks for replying.

 

[Praying7]

I agree it’s good to discern God’s will for us–but I have found He reveals it one day at a time. I am 45 years old and my life is nothing like I planned or thought it would be. God has taken me down many paths but has always been with me. It’s good to plan for the future but also good to be open to what each day brings.

Thanks for what you have said it means a lot to me.
I guess it is like getting a bead each day and it is only after years that one sees the beauty of the necklace that is being made. Patience pays.

 

[Fairjer]

I would suggest that you know and understand the skill set and aptitude that God gave you, when He created you. Based upon those skills set and aptitude, spend time as you are able to in prayer, fasting, the sacraments as you can and need, attend mass at least on Sundays and then simply ask God to lead and guide you, ask Him daily, hourly weekly, “Father what do you ask of me?”

While it almost next to impossible to find a good spiritual director, ask your local parish priest if He is such, and if not if he can help you find one. A spiritual director can help you understand how God leads and works with you, so you know when, how and what God is doing and showing you as His will for you. With increased prayer, fasting, sacraments and mass you may find a depth of peace that you have not experienced in your life prior. I am not referring to peace as if spending a day at a spa, or relaxing around your home in quiet solitude. I am referring to a peace that you feel, taste and sense that reaches beyond your being.

In addition, It is not in your time or or will but in God’s. Do not expect an instant answer or a quick response. Simply continue to pursue or walk the path that you are on and follow accordingly, while you continue to pray, receive the sacraments, and attend Mass. You may experience a sense of peace and that peace may deepen as you finish your degree, or take that new job or meet that special person. Catherine of Siena the Third Order Dominican, once ask Jesus during His last appearance to her, how do I know if it is you or Satan when I am told or given something? He told her, that if it is me you will initially have anxiety, but in time that anxiety will become less and you will have peace. If it is from the evil one, you will have anxiety and it will become more intense and make you more anxious, in time.

I have spent the last eight going on nine years discerning my vocation, from Franciscan Orders to marriage and now I am finishing up my application to Seminary for a Diocese in Ohio, for the priesthood. Initially, the idea of the Diocesan priesthood made me ill. Two years later, I have great peace and cannot see myself anywhere, doing anything else, even though, I was once married, now divorced and annulled, I love marriage and all that goes with marriage.

There is no time frame, time limit in understanding one’s vocation as God is a complete mystery and we discern one step at a time. As my spiritual director would tell me, “The Israelite’s spent 40 years in the desert, what is a few months, weeks or years?”

I will pray for you and that you find the peace and the strength to seek God’s will, regardless of how long and how hard it may become.

Your brother,

 

[Rivii]

Fairjer, thanks for your detailed response! Thank you also for your prayers; I will pray for you too. Prayer and sacraments plus a spiritual counseling, right?