Signs that God is calling

Benedictine Sisters of St. Mary Monastery, Rock Island, Illinois

June 2008

Benedictine Sisters monastery grounds at St. Mary Monastery, Rock Island, Ill

Steps
Discerning your path in life

Discernment experiences...

Signs God is Calling

Recently, an inquirer "discovered" our community while perusing the Vision Magazine web site. She went online to learn what she could about us, called and came to visit a few days later. The thing is, she just happened to be in the area at the time, visiting friends. It was a happy coincidence, at the least, and perhaps even a sign from God.

God has been known to knock people over the head, of course. (Did you hear the one about the burning bush?) But more often than not, God's messages tend to trickle down, slowly, and without a lot of fanfare. They might feel like a thought that won't go away, or a nagging feeling. You might feel uncomfortable about something. These are common signs.

Here's what several of our current inquirers say about their discernment experiences.

Nancy (age 50): Discernment, for me, is a real process. I think it is like an Onion peeling off layers until you get to the heart of it. You not only find your Self, you find God, and Surprises!

What I am getting from re-reading the Rule now, is how Human we are and how Human this process is. Any mystical "states" have to be balanced with hands that touch the earth, and arms that stretch out to each other.

Samantha (age 22): I think the discernment process should focus on listening to what God wants for you, not what you think you want. You have to get rid of your biases and pride and give yourself fully to Christ. I think a healthy and consistent prayer life is vital to this whole process. It is also important to pray as often as possible with the religious communities you visit. Overall, listening to God, and not overcomplicating things, is the best way to discern.

Jackie (age 49): I am one of those people who feel a nudge that won't go away. It gets stronger as time goes on. But I've also had signs. For example, during my discernment, I met four different Sisters in four different places. I had no idea they were all Benedictine, but they were. To me, that was a sign.

I am very cognizant that God has a plan for my life. I am drawn to the Benedictine community, where there are Sisters who are first and foremost seeking God, and seeking God together.

Angie (age 25): I am trying to live my life while allowing God to show me where I belong next. I've had so many wonderful and new experiences the past 3 years and none of it was planned. I just wait and listen to where God is calling me to live out my life next.

I see it as a big puzzle and wait for God to give me the next piece to my life. I can't plan anything. I used to plan things and then stress out trying to complete those plans. I like being carefree and living according to God's plan. It's more fulfilling and less worrisome to me. Pray and listen is my mantra for discernment.

Register to join our ongoing discussion in "Your Path, Your Calling," on the Sisters' Bulletin Board!