discernment

October 15, 2008

Embracing humor and fun in discernment

Benedictine Sisters play basketball at St. Mary Monastery in Rock Island, Ill.

I loved the closing talk at the Vocation Conference. It was about joy, laughter and humor: a somewhat odd but wholly welcome concept when talking about the serious task of discernment and vocation ministry.

I loved the talk because it validated my serious belief that we have to be light-hearted. I was seriously ill about 3 years ago and ever since my recovery I insist on humor and fun – as much as possible! – every day. (That’s me on the left, beating Sr. Claudia in a little one-on-one!) Life is way too short to be entirely serious. Read Ecclesiastes and remember life is a cycle with time for all emotions.

Discernment is a time for all emotions, too. Continue Reading

October 11, 2008

Discerning with St. Paul

This week I am in Louisville, Ky., for the National Religious Vocation Conference which is the professional organization for North American vocation directors. This is always an energizing time and a great opportunity to network and share vocation experiences. Our keynote speaker on Friday was the renowned Scripture scholar, Fr. Don Senior. His focus was on St. Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles.

Paul’s journey was marked by extremes, beginning with anti-Christian activities as the early church struggled to carry on Jesus’ ministry and teaching. He was a violent man – dragging Christians out of their homes, beating those he caught and even cheering as Stephen was stoned to death. Continue Reading

October 7, 2008

Take a Contemplative Walk

Benedictine Sister walks on St. Mary Monastery grounds in Rock Island, Ill.

I am in Southern Indiana for a directed retreat. The gorgeous fall weather helps enrich this already-rich environment of prayer and people. I cherish my time here for many reasons, but most especially because God is always good to my prayer life here!

One of the best parts of retreat is the opportunity for a refreshing contemplative walk. Like anyone, my life can become over-filled with the to do’s, expectations and stuff I think is important. When that happens I lose the quiet walk of contemplation…or at least it becomes noisier!

A contemplative walk is when your life and God are more in sync and, in essence, flowing well together. Continue Reading

September 28, 2008

A Time to Plant and A Time to Grow

Redwing blackbird sings near Benedictine Sisters' pond at St. Mary Monastery, Rock Island, Ill.

Every day I take my morning cup of coffee and stand by the garden I tend.  I admire the creation of color, the foliage, and even how the weeds blossom.  I reflect on the places I have been planted in my life. I consider the weeds I continually have to pull to promote growth and beauty.

Discernment is a growing season. It is good to reflect on the places you have been planted, the colors of your personality, the gifts that have emerged, the experiences that have tilled your soil and uprooted your life, and the weeds you have pulled.

It is good to reflect on what promotes your growth.

Discernment is a gracefilled movement – reflecting on your life and embracing a future life where your garden can thrive. Smell the flowers, enjoy the color and be energized by the power of God. Then think of how your next garden may need to be planted in order to continue this gift of God’s presence.

September 14, 2008

Worthiness for Christ

The Thomas Merton prayer is a great discernment prayer (posted by Stefanie in a comment to “Creating Space for God” on Sept. 4). It reminds us that today is the day to care about. Today is the day we are worthy of Christ’s love. Today is the day we must trust the Lord to lead our way. The prayer also reminds us that we can have doubts along the way. Continue Reading

August 26, 2008

Stay Connected!!

I am still having computer glitches, so I have another laptop with me in Dubuque, Iowa for a meeting. I have had trouble staying connected, however, and being unconnected is not a pretty “site”! It is essential to stay connected – yes, via the web, but more important, by any means.

Discernment is about recognizing connections and maintaining relationships to discover more about your hopes and dreams.  You must stay connected to God through prayer, of course, but it’s also important to stay connected with a particular community, vocation director or community member.  Nancy makes that point quite well in her reply a couple of days ago.

Nancy had connected with several communities and that made the difference in her discernment.  She and I kept up conversation, sharing and arranging visits – all helpful in her discernment.  While God leads us in the right direction, we need to take hold of the opportunity God lays before us. Nancy is just one example of connectedness as a vital and essential tool in discernment.

Staying connected with women who are in discernment is vital to me.  I hope I can be a conduit for God’s presence in your discernment.

Today – reflect on your connectedness. How is it with God these days?  What is God saying through your connection? How is it with your discernment and  who might you need to connect with? Go for it … and stay connected!!