October 7, 2020 I was convinced I’d never tell this story, because I think it makes me sound like I might be a bit crazy. I’m going to take the risk, and tell it anyway. While I’ve said countless times that I believe I’m exactly where God wants me to be, I wasn’t always so sure. When I was first offered the job, I didn’t accept it immediately. I told diocesan administration I needed a few days to think about it, talk to my husband about it and pray about it. It was a big decision. It involved adding almost 100 miles to my daily commute. It involved working in ministry, something I had never done before. It involved leaving behind a stable job with a major local employer for something unknown. And there were other factors to consider. I wasn’t sure if it was the right decision for me and my family at that time. I talked to a few trusted friends about the decision. Though they were all separate conversations, and these friends didn’t know each other, each friend told me some version of, “take it to Jesus.” I took their advice literally, and I went to adoration to pray about the decision. At that point, I was frustrated about the uncertainty. I knelt before the Blessed Sacrament, and with a tone that exuded irritation, I silently said to Jesus, “Ok! I’m here! What do you want from me?” As clear as any conversation I’ve had across the dining room table, I heard, “now go.” It’s the only time I’ve ever clearly heard the Lord speaking to me. It was a gift. I felt like I’d better honor that gift by saying “yes.” I haven’t regretted it for a moment since. That “yes” changed my life in more ways than I could possibly recount in such a limited space, but I can at least say it’s helped me grow personally, professionally and spiritually. I’m not saying this job hasn’t included hardships and challenges. It certainly has. I’m not joking when I say, “I’m running out of colleagues who haven’t seen me cry.” But the good outweighs the bad, and the joy outweighs the sadness and struggles. So, why am I telling this story now? As I read about the religious sisters who are celebrating jubilees, I read about the education, ministries, growth and joy that resulted from each of those sisters saying “yes” to the Lord’s call. I’m sure these sisters encountered hardships and sorrows. We all do. But based on what I read of their biographies, I get the impression that they don’t regret saying “yes,” and they feel blessed to live in the service of our Lord and ministering to His flock. A “yes” to Jesus really does change everything. Even if it seems crazy. |
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