This is the OLG blog for the One Book - One Parish Lenten reading program. As you read each week's suggested chapters in "My Life with the Saints" you will find reflection/discussion questions here. An integral part of a reading program is the discussion that grows from it. We look forward to your participation. "All of us are smarter than one of us." You can make this come true for our Lenten One Book - One Parish reading program.
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
Thérèse of Lisieux discovered her vocation—her calling—at a very young age. Describe a time you felt called to a particular direction in your life by God.
A few years ago I found myself having lost all faith in even the existence of God. Faith eventually returned, different than before, without me wanting it or expecting it. I started over and looked for a new group to worship with. When I read about what the Catholic Church really teaches, I learned I had been misinformed. There was a particular moment when I realized, without a doubt and like a bolt of lightening, this is where I belong. It hasn't been an easy journey but I feel called in this direction and somehow it is working out.
I don't think I've ever been just struck like a bolt of lightening...more like hit over the head for a long time before I realize, "oh, yeah, that's what God is saying." For example, when I first started working for the Church, I would tell my children that someday I would get a "real" job. After about twenty years, I finally was able to say that this is my real job and my vocation.
I feel similar to what you describe Maryann. I can't say there's ever been a strong sense in terms of being pulled a particular direction all at once. I feel much that way I guess with my wife and our relationship. We met a little over eight years ago, I told myself at the time we met what could it hurt to go on a date, then we had fun. I was cautious to take my time when dating her, but something inside me felt compelled to learn more about her and what kind of a relationship we could have. I can't say it was one thing that made me say yes, I want to marry her, but it was a lot things both big and small and a lot of decisions over time that made feel like this is someone I could spend my life with, have a family with, grow old with, and most of all trust and love. Someone once told me that love is a decision, one we make every day to love or not to love. It doesn't sound romantic, but I think for me that's what makes love special is the decision to choose to love. I think my relationship with my wife has helped me better understand my relationship with God and making the decision to love others. It's not always easy and sometimes I fail, but then I remember I am loved back and that my mistakes can be forgiven if I seek the forgiveness.
A few years ago I found myself having lost all faith in even the existence of God. Faith eventually returned, different than before, without me wanting it or expecting it. I started over and looked for a new group to worship with. When I read about what the Catholic Church really teaches, I learned I had been misinformed. There was a particular moment when I realized, without a doubt and like a bolt of lightening, this is where I belong. It hasn't been an easy journey but I feel called in this direction and somehow it is working out.
ReplyDeleteI don't think I've ever been just struck like a bolt of lightening...more like hit over the head for a long time before I realize, "oh, yeah, that's what God is saying." For example, when I first started working for the Church, I would tell my children that someday I would get a "real" job. After about twenty years, I finally was able to say that this is my real job and my vocation.
ReplyDeleteI feel similar to what you describe Maryann. I can't say there's ever been a strong sense in terms of being pulled a particular direction all at once. I feel much that way I guess with my wife and our relationship. We met a little over eight years ago, I told myself at the time we met what could it hurt to go on a date, then we had fun. I was cautious to take my time when dating her, but something inside me felt compelled to learn more about her and what kind of a relationship we could have. I can't say it was one thing that made me say yes, I want to marry her, but it was a lot things both big and small and a lot of decisions over time that made feel like this is someone I could spend my life with, have a family with, grow old with, and most of all trust and love. Someone once told me that love is a decision, one we make every day to love or not to love. It doesn't sound romantic, but I think for me that's what makes love special is the decision to choose to love. I think my relationship with my wife has helped me better understand my relationship with God and making the decision to love others. It's not always easy and sometimes I fail, but then I remember I am loved back and that my mistakes can be forgiven if I seek the forgiveness.
ReplyDelete