Is this enough?

[NovemberFourth]

Hi all.

I thought I would pop in and let you all know how my discernment is going and ask for some thoughts and feedback on my current thinking.

As a lot of you know I went abroad to start my discernment. After four months I felt I had discerned to a point where I needed to return to the UK and visit orders. I had spent a lot of time while I was away developing my relationship with God and myself. But now I needed to learn more about the life of a religious.

I asked God for if the timing of this return was right - and it was not just a matter of me missing my family (although I was). It seemed that I had understood my stage of development correctly as it was made very easy for me to return, and sooner than I hoped.

I had been worried about getting a job when I came back to the UK and so I prayed that a good job would come along - one that was ethical and would not cause me concern or offend God or the church in any way.

Shortly after I returned I saw a vacancy working for a religious order. I applied for the job and God in his great mercy was kind.

So here is the dilemma. I love this job, The people in the office and the order are wonderful, kind and considerate. I have grown in understanding the nature of work as prayer. I am deeply fortunate in that I go home feeling I have been working for God and society instead of working for a company, shareholders and corporate greed.

I’m more blessed than I deserve - and I know it.

So, after a few months, here is where I am at now. I truly believe God has moved me in a place where I can continue to develop my relationship with him and serve him. But is this enough?

I sometimes wonder if this - where I am now - is where God wants me to be? And yet at other times I wonder if God wants - and I want - yet more.

At the moment I am riding it out a little and seeing how things feel when the dust settles. I think most of us here have experienced both doubts and certainties at times. But right now I am finding my discernment a real see-saw. One minute I know I want yet more of this happiness - and at other times I think I can offer real service where I am.

Anyone else experienced anything similar?

God bless

N4

 

[Poor_Clare_tobe]

Hi all.

I thought I would pop in and let you all know how my discernment is going and ask for some thoughts and feedback on my current thinking.

As a lot of you know I went abroad to start my discernment. After four months I felt I had discerned to a point where I needed to return to the UK and visit orders. I had spent a lot of time while I was away developing my relationship with God and myself. But now I needed to learn more about the life of a religious.

I asked God for if the timing of this return was right - and it was not just a matter of me missing my family (although I was). It seemed that I had understood my stage of development correctly as it was made very easy for me to return, and sooner than I hoped.

I had been worried about getting a job when I came back to the UK and so I prayed that a good job would come along - one that was ethical and would not cause me concern or offend God or the church in any way.

Shortly after I returned I saw a vacancy working for a religious order. I applied for the job and God in his great mercy was kind.

So here is the dilemma. I love this job, The people in the office and the order are wonderful, kind and considerate. I have grown in understanding the nature of work as prayer. I am deeply fortunate in that I go home feeling I have been working for God and society instead of working for a company, shareholders and corporate greed.

I’m more blessed than I deserve - and I know it.

So, after a few months, here is where I am at now. I truly believe God has moved me in a place where I can continue to develop my relationship with him and serve him. But is this enough?

I sometimes wonder if this - where I am now - is where God wants me to be? And yet at other times I wonder if God wants - and I want - yet more.

At the moment I am riding it out a little and seeing how things feel when the dust settles. I think most of us here have experienced both doubts and certainties at times. But right now I am finding my discernment a real see-saw. One minute I know I want yet more of this happiness - and at other times I think I can offer real service where I am.

Anyone else experienced anything similar?

God bless

N4

*To answer your question of “Anyone else experienced anything similar?” No (But wish I had)

What a wonderful Job you have. I would enjoy it, and continue to work with your Spiritual Advisor as to whether or not you are called to religious life?
Perhaps the Religious you are presently working for (now) may also help in your discernment process? Either way it sounds like a win-win situation. Either this could be a permanent ministry or could be a stepping stone. Blessings… You will be in my prayers.*

 

[StarMaiden]

I agree with what Poor Clare Tobe has said I will hold you in my thoughts and prayers.