Visiting the Convent

This past week and weekend, I went with three other young women to visit the Sisters in Illinois. They are Franciscans of the Martyr St. George. We spent 2 nights, and 1 day there. I have sometimes felt that God is calling me to a consecrated Religious life, and so when my good friend said that she would be leading this trip-- I decided to go. It was a very long road trip out there, but I enjoyed the company! I got to know the other ladies much better, which was a blessing. We also picked up a Sister in Hastings, NE. (Go BIG Red!!! --My shout out to all of those Husker fans. Living the good life! :) ) It was neat to spend the larger part of the road trip just getting to know her, and her lifestyle. I quickly realized that they (as in Religious Sisters) are regular people, and are sinners, just like you and I. I somehow thought that they were exempt! ha! They laugh, and have fights, and use sarcasm. One thing that they do realize, is that they ARE sinners, they are very humble in that respect. I was impressed.

For all of you who do know me, you know that I am busy from the moment I wake up, to the moment my head hits the pillow. So when I experienced their simple, structured, prayerful, and peaceful life, I just wanted to stay forever! haha! Well, maybe, kinda. I don't know what God is calling me to, but I am now less scared about what He will ask of me, and more open to to the Religious life. This brought a little peace to my heart, in my discernment process.

One thing that struck me, as I listened to the young novices talking about how they got to the convent, was their giddiness, and giggles, and excitement when they were re-telling their discernment process. It was the same way my girlfriends, and I talk about dates and boys! Through this realization, I have begun to ponder how Jesus is not only my best friend, but also how He always pursing me, and my Divine Lover. Although, I still really haven't wrapped my mind around the whole concept yet, I feel like I am starting a whole new romance with our Savior. Recently, I have been pursued my a couple of my male counterparts. And most of the time, I just haven't felt like it was right. Now, I think it is because God is trying to make me fall in love with Him more, by showing me that the love from my human "pursu-ees" just doesn't compare to His unmerited, pure love. I know that I still struggle with finding my self worth in attention from guys, but hopefully with this new thought process, I may slowly get stronger in my love for the Lord, and depend on that, instead of the love of this world.

Pax,
Katherine