I don't know what to do..

[unfuf]

Hi,

I need some advice, please.

I have never been happy in any job I have been in, always felt unsatisfied, unfulfilled, and wanting to do more for god. After a few years I prayed to God, shut off all the noise in my life, and listened. From then on I strongly felt I was being called to a religious life. I had been to weekend retreats with various different orders, and loved it. With moderate support from my family (because they want me to get married and have kids) etc.

Currently I am supposed to be doing a computer course, and again have no interest at all, I just feel I want to give up my life for God, going abroad doing aid work, and living a religious life, because when I was living a very similar life in Africa (for 2 months) I loved, and was so happy.

I understand I need to provide for myself and live, but I know that I’m going to be how I felt when I was in those jobs, what is the point going back there? Feeling suicidal I’ve had enough of that ****.

I really don’t know what God wants from me, I still feel a strong urge to a religious vocation, but am being pushed into a career I hate, and have no passion for. God is just too important to me, I want to do more for Christ and his church.

Please help, I am really stuck.

 

[roveau]

Try to get back into the aid work. It seems you have a calling for helping people. Perhaps train in some form of nursing (basic care or advanced) - that is useful for males and females - locally but also for aid overseas. That sort of background in helping others will also put you in good standing for any religious order.

 

[JohnDamian]

The first thing to do is to think about different orders, and different ways of life that you are feeling called towards;

The next thing is to go and explain this to your Priest, Vocations Director etc. and explain how and what you feel – they will give you advice on what to do now; and where you should be going – as far as I am aware most Orders love to get to know candidates over a period of time beforehand - on retreats etc.

The obvious things you could be doing now are this;
Obviously; attending church every week at least,
Getting involved and helping with your local church, or other local groups,
Getting any counselling or help you might need if you are depressed (this might stand against you; but be honest about your struggles),
Going on regular retreats,
Get a Vocations Director if you have not already.

Also, some forms of Vocation do like certain qualifications in people - but you would have to go into greater detail with your Vocations Director…

Best of Luck; and remember - being a Good christian doesn’t mean you have to be in an Order; getting involved locally will really help you to find happiness and help people.