Pathways and Turns

Vocation. We all have a vague idea of what this word means. It is a calling from God. It is a path to holiness. It is a constant thing we pray and worry and wonder about, especially in the high school and college years of life. 

Maybe you already know what God has planned for you. Or perhaps, like so many people, your prayers are a string of muddled, anxious pleas.

“Lord, tell me what you want me to do.” “Jesus, whatever you want for me, I’ll do it gladly. I just wish You would please tell me what it is.” “Lord, what if I choose wrong?”

What if I choose wrong?

This seems to be a question a lot of young Catholics struggle with. We know we all are called to some vocation, some way to specially dedicate ourselves to God. Perhaps it may be through marriage and fostering whatever children are sent our way. Other times, it is the consecrated life or even the single life. If only we knew right off the bat which to choose!

Many think that they have to be very careful to choose the right vocation. They need to know that they are not making any mistakes. After all, what if you marry when you were supposed to be a priest? What if there was this great guy you should have sought, but you were too hesitant and you now are unhappy and single as can be? What if you’re no good as a religious sister or a Dominican? 

What if I choose wrong?

There is so much pressure about choosing a vocation. We think of it as driving on an interstate, anxiously searching for our exit. If you don’t pay attention, if you don’t look hard enough, if you blink for one second, you’ll miss it. 

Or if you take the wrong exit, you may get lost and end up in a different destination.

But this view is entirely wrong. The vocation is not the destination. Our Lord is the destination, Our Ultimate End. We are all pilgrims, on a journey, travelling on and on down a pathway. 

This pathway is our vocation. It is the road we take, the path we travel on. Each one is beautiful and unique. Each one has its bumps and curves and twists and turns. But so long as it is going towards God, so long as you are racing down that path towards Our Lord, it is a path of grace.

Another thing to consider is that God works with whatever decision you make. He will never be shocked when you pursue your vocation. You cannot surprise Him; it’s impossible. Whatever life you choose, he will give you the grace necessary to sanctify it.

The road to God is a long one. It is a difficult journey, with many paths that split off into different directions, but all good paths will lead to him.

You are on one of these paths right now. It may be high school. It may be college. It may be cleaning, cooking, doing homework, or spending time with family or loved ones. Your vocation is happening every day. 

God is calling you down that path of vocation right now, this day. This hour. This minute. This moment. Don’t wait; start walking.