How do you know what you are meant to do?

[sarcophagus]

I’ve been thinking a lot about discernment and trying to find what God wants you to do. Is it a desire, an innate drive or simply an epiphany?

For example, I like going to school, I’ve talked about becoming a doctor at times, but really, my heart isn’t in it. I don’t try as hard as I should (or as hard as someone who wants to go somewhere). It’s not that I don’t want to try, but I just can’t. It’s strange. What I really want, is to drop out of school and be a stay-at-home mom. I don’t have kids now, but a huge desire to have a family.
Is this God telling me that I am called to be a mother? Or is this just my instincts telling me that now is the time because im at the perfect age (biologically and physically speaking)? I’ve talked to people about this. None of them are religious and say that it is just hormones etc.
What are your opinions? How has God influenced your choices ie. discernment?

Thanks
Sarc

 

[John_Russell_Jr]

Have kids while you can. And while your young. That’s what I’d do.

 

[IPTgrad]

How are you approaching discernment? If you are prayerfully approaching it, I believe the peace you will feel when the decision has been made is a gift of affirmation from God.

When I am discerning I spend time at our chapel. I pray over Isaiah 11:1, asking for the gifts of the Holy Spirit. I find that the peace will eventually come when the decision is right. This sometimes takes quite a while (that’s the worst part) but there is also so much to be gained in the waiting and submitting to God.

Once I have discerned which way to go, I enter into it & trust that even if I have in some way made the “wrong” decision God will bring my decision back to His purpose and plan for me, if I keep focused on Him. After all… “All things work to the good for those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28

The most important thing, I think, is to LISTEN. Spend quiet time with God. He speaks.

 

[gardenswithkids]

Well stated IPTgrad

In the past, God has guided me in various ways. Somethings I just knew–like I always knew I wanted to be a mom. Other things God has pushed harder, planting ideas that I dismiss but which just keep coming back until finally I prayed about them and it became clearer. (Quitting work to stay home with my children full time was one of those things.) And on some things, I think God wants to let me to make the decision.
Since you are currently a student, you probably should at least finish the semester or quarter. If you are called to be a stay at home mom in the future, an educated mother is a great thing for a child.

If you are currently pregnant, then it’s a good bet that God is calling you to be a mother. (If you’re not yet married, he may be calling you to be a birth mother and put the child up for adoption.)

If you are not yet married and not pregnant, motherhood may be a future calling. If it is, then you should prepare, so choose a major or career that is compatable with motherhood. And with the goal of marriage and motherhood in mind, date only men who would be good fathers to your children–a good dad is one of the best things you can give to your child.

If your friends dismiss your desires for motherhood as merely “hormones” then they forget Who made hormones in the first place. Those hormonal urges were designed by God to help prompt us to procreate and help Him populate heaven.

 

[JCPhoenix]

I don’t know that my answer will help you at all. I’m 30 and I still haven’t figured it out.

When I graduated high school and went to college I thought I knew what I wanted, and every door opened at my command. I thought that was affirmation.

I lived through career disaster after career disaster, finally arriving at my “Mecca”, and now nearly 1 1/2 years later, I no longer want what I thought I wanted 3 years ago.

I have surveyed my life and realized I stumbled around in a circle, and God has brought me to this place. It was he who opened those doors when I demanded. God gives us everything we want.

Now I’m standing in the center of this circle looking for a gate that doesn’t seem to be there, so all I can do is put my knees in the dirt and look up to God.

And that means he has me exactly where he wants me. Where he wants all of us.

God loves us and wants the best for us, but when we insist on doing it out way, he lets us. And then he answeres on HIS time, not ours.

He understands where you are and how you got there, and he knows where you’re going.

Go to Adoration and bring a notebook. If you are prompted to write, then do so and see what Jesus reveals to you. I do this on a regular basis and have written stories about situations I had forgotten about, and came to understandings that had not been there before.

Let God work, lean on him completely, and let him open the doors for you rather than making him stand aside while you create your own doors.

This is the best advice I can give. Believe me…I did it the wrong way for about 12 years. I have a feeling I’m going to make up for it by being on my knees for another 12 years.

I will pray for you, that you’ll make the decision God has waiting for you.

 

[cyprian]

In your prayer give yourself to God. Beg the Holy Spirit to take you, all thay you are, to trnsform you, to serve God in all you do. Then seek the good, follow the promptings of your heart and conscience. Ask Him how many kids He wants!!Peace and Love

 

[SFX]

I can only tell you my experience. I am in my mid-30’s. Up until about two years ago I had nothing to show for it. I couldn’t find my way, no matter what. But all my life I had been drawn to the Church. It was just like getting in a car when I was born. No matter what turn I took, or which direction, or what I did, I was constantly unhappy, and my heart and mind would put me back on the road to the Church, where I was always at peace. To make a long story short, a couple years ago I went to a different parish, for convenience, and today I almost have a parish job and will be starting school in the fall for ministry. Pray to St. Joseph, and let the Lord know you are willing to serve Him, wherever He calls you. You will find your place. Hope this helps.

SFX:bowdown2: