Our Lady of the Rosary and Our Mission for the Salvation of the World
Discernment
Photo By: Flickr/M a n u e l
What a challenge this poses to us. What if God wants us where we really don’t want to go? What if it’s difficult? What if it tests our Virtues? What if it’s just downright unpleasant and hurtful? How do we know what is right and how do we discern God’s true calling for us?
My co-worker recently made the comment to me, that no God would want me to work with people of questionable virtue and moral action. I pondered on this. It seemed reasonable at first. That “reasonableness“ caused me much distress. I suffered through some very challenging emotions and thoughts; and I still am.
Upon reflection though, it seems that maybe I am right where I need to be. Maybe my magnification of the love of Christ is needed where I am. Perhaps the people I am surrounded by on a daily basis are the reason for my existence there.
Yes, it is difficult, and messy. My feelings get hurt. I get frustrated. And the people that I am with and the environment that I exist in can make me feel bad.
But, it really isn’t all about me!
God’s work is about serving others and that is its own reward. The road less traveled is presumably the more difficult and treacherous. I guess I shouldn’t fight it so much, and keep looking elsewhere so diligently. When it is time for me to move on, God will direct me down my new path. I hope that it is an easier one, but it seems that God is not about easy, he is about righteousness and truth. God’s light will shine most brightly in the darker spaces. I guess someone needs to carry it there.
When I reflect upon the history of our glorious Church, I understand it wasn’t easy for any of God’s light bearers. That quickly restores perspective.
So, St. Michael the Archangel, be with me amongst the spiritual warfare I live within. Don’t let my light be extinguished in a weak moment. Stifle my doubts and discouraged heart. Don’t let those around me decrease my fortitude. Keep me strong and faithful; and on the path that Christ is laying before me.
Let my light shine bright wherever I go; for all to see. Because, doesn’t the song proclaim that “they will know we are Christians by our love”; and I believe by our deeds as well.
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About the Author
I am a wife and mother of two grown sons. Although I am Cradle Catholic, I experienced a profound reversion to the True faith several years ago that motivated and inspired me to dive more deeply into an understanding of the Church and Her teachings, and why She has these teachings and where they come from. Surprisingly, for me, the more I read and discovered, the deeper my love of the Catholic Church and her teachings became. This certainly is a journey that doesn't end, and so as I uncover more amazing facts about our Faith and Church, I just can't help but want to share what I'm learning. So, I began writing for Catholic 365.
I have recently served for a year and a half as the Executive Director of a very active and busy Crisis Pregnancy Center on the West side of Cincinnati. God is so good and does answers prayers, even though He knows at times, we have no idea what we are asking for. The pro life cause is paramount to our times, I am so honored and humbled to have had the experience and opportunity to serve women and the unborn in this capacity! I am also very grateful to God, for allowing me to see for myself, that perhaps such a calling was not His long term plan for me. We go where God seeminly calls us, and for me, that was a return to corporate America. I currently work as a recruiter and sales onboarding specialist where I am helping a Franchising company open and support small businesses that serve seniors and the elderly, giving them opportunities to age in place and live thier final chapters with dignity. It is the other end of the pro life spectrum and such an amazing endeavor!
I love being able to share this great faith of ours and use this platform as a way to express my deep love and devotion to our Lord. We need each other, and this effort has truly become a wonderful way to connect with all of you- my brothers and sisters in Christ!
