Discernment and seeking Spiritual Director

[DrPooh]

Dear 7discerning7,

I have not posted here in ages, but when I read your posts I felt driven to comment. I just wanted to say that for 14 years old, you sound incredibly mature and articulate. I’ve been impressed by how thoughtful you are and how you so clearly give of yourself not only to God but to others around you in your community. Yes, you are young to be too worried about finding the right path right now, but intelligent people do tend to consider their futures sooner than other teenagers may. I believe your heart is going to guide you to your vocation, but keep in mind that even if you decide you are not meant to be a nun, there are many many callings where you can do God’s work–medicine, social work, and law enforcement are only a few of the opportunities through which you can touch people’s lives every day.

I am much older than you, but I am also struggling to find my path right now. There are aspects of faith that are troubling me, and I too hope to find a spiritual advisor to help guide me. Just as I pray to God and the saints for help, I will add you to my prayers–you have a long road ahead of you, but something about your posts makes me believe you will find your way. Keep that light in your heart!

 

[7discerning7]

Just tell them you’re going on a retreat. That’s basically what it is. I wouldn’t tell them until you were fairly certain that this is what God is calling you to. In the meantime, let them know you’ll still be loving and obedient. You’re “recharging your sweetness batteries.”

Blessings,
cloisters

Hello!

I’ll look around if there are any upcoming “retreats”
Thanks for your advice!

-7discerning7

 

[7discerning7]

I see that someone has already given you the best answer. I would simply add that for yourself, keep praying and asking the Lord for direction. Ask the help of Our Mother. Prayers are a powerful tool that we tend to underestimate. Pray to them and ask them for guidance and help. I promise you, they will not say no to you.

Hi!

I pray often with my family, except sometimes I find it hard to pray with my heart.
Yes, sometimes I “feel” the Blessed Virgin Mary’s presence. I pray to her, too.

Thanks!
7discerning7

 

[7discerning7]

Dear 7discerning7,

I have not posted here in ages, but when I read your posts I felt driven to comment. I just wanted to say that for 14 years old, you sound incredibly mature and articulate. I’ve been impressed by how thoughtful you are and how you so clearly give of yourself not only to God but to others around you in your community. Yes, you are young to be too worried about finding the right path right now, but intelligent people do tend to consider their futures sooner than other teenagers may. I believe your heart is going to guide you to your vocation, but keep in mind that even if you decide you are not meant to be a nun, there are many many callings where you can do God’s work–medicine, social work, and law enforcement are only a few of the opportunities through which you can touch people’s lives every day.

I am much older than you, but I am also struggling to find my path right now. There are aspects of faith that are troubling me, and I too hope to find a spiritual advisor to help guide me. Just as I pray to God and the saints for help, I will add you to my prayers–you have a long road ahead of you, but something about your posts makes me believe you will find your way. Keep that light in your heart!

Thank you!
I suppose I might be too young but I don’t want to be deaf to the call, if He is calling me.
I’m looking into the medical field for my college major but am stuck between medicine, music, and religious studies.

I will keep you in my prayers as you keep me in yours.

God bless,
7discerning7

P.S. I am open to all suggestions and advice from others!

 

[InThePew]

I just thought I’d jump in on the “how do you discern” question.

From what I’ve found, the short answer is listen to God. Granted the answer won’t be immediately clear or obvious (road to Damascus-type experiences are regrettably in short supply these days…) but it will be revealed to you in time - something which you certainly have. often we want things to be made clear quickly but haste is not something which really works well with a vocation! God speaks in our hearts and gradually we come to not just hear His call but also to begin understand what it is that He is calling us to. Fear and anxiety are a natural part of the process and something which you should take to God in prayer - listening as well as speaking to Him. Similarly, resisting the temptation to do anything but pray is part of the struggle and something which affects people at all stages of their vocational journey. I think the best advice I can give you is to set aside a specific time or times in the day (be it first thing in the morning or last thing at night) for an hour of silent, contemplative prayer. If an hour sounds like a lot don’t worry, just build up to it by starting with as little as 10 minutes.

Finally don’t worry about being deaf to God’s call - I’ve found that He tends to be very, very persistent!

 

[7discerning7]

I just thought I’d jump in on the “how do you discern” question.

From what I’ve found, the short answer is listen to God. Granted the answer won’t be immediately clear or obvious (road to Damascus-type experiences are regrettably in short supply these days…) but it will be revealed to you in time - something which you certainly have. often we want things to be made clear quickly but haste is not something which really works well with a vocation! God speaks in our hearts and gradually we come to not just hear His call but also to begin understand what it is that He is calling us to. Fear and anxiety are a natural part of the process and something which you should take to God in prayer - listening as well as speaking to Him. Similarly, resisting the temptation to do anything but pray is part of the struggle and something which affects people at all stages of their vocational journey. I think the best advice I can give you is to set aside a specific time or times in the day (be it first thing in the morning or last thing at night) for an hour of silent, contemplative prayer. If an hour sounds like a lot don’t worry, just build up to it by starting with as little as 10 minutes.

Hello!

Wow! Thanks for your reply!

I guess I do have to be patient… It’s hard.

I pray the rosary twice a day (though sometimes I find it hard to concentrate)…should I increase the number of rosaries I pray?

Finally don’t worry about being deaf to God’s call - I’ve found that He tends to be very, very persistent!

Thanks for ^. I needed that. I wasn’t too sure if it’s true.

God bless,
7discerning7

P.S. After some “research”, I found out that you’re a seminarian! I have a friend who is going to enter the seminary this June. I’ll keep you in my prayers!

 

[7discerning7]

Any other advice or comments are greatly appreciated!

 

[angeldia30]

Hello,

I haven’t told my parents or any family members about my discerning to possibly be a nun and I don’t know how to bring up attending a discernment program to them.

God bles,
7discerning7

Me neither! I have no idea how to talk to them about it. They would love to go to retreats but discernment retreats would inspire the whole “I hope she becomes a nun!” It’s the best thing ever!!" I don’t even know if I’m supposed to be going to discernment based on this reaction because then they expect more from you and it becomes “their” thing and less “your thing with God” … I don’t know what do you think?

 

[SonCatcher]

Me neither! I have no idea how to talk to them about it. They would love to go to retreats but discernment retreats would inspire the whole “I hope she becomes a nun!” It’s the best thing ever!!" I don’t even know if I’m supposed to be going to discernment based on this reaction because then they expect more from you and it becomes “their” thing and less “your thing with God” … I don’t know what do you think?

Like it or not, this interaction is part of the discernment process. Your family love you and want you to be happy in whatever vocation you choose. Their support is the most important help you can have.