what do I do with my life?

There comes a time in a person’s life when they have to decide if they like mountains or plateaus. Personally, mountain is much easier to spell than plateau so it is a nicer word. But seriously, a person cannot just stay where they are. “Christ loves you just the way you are” is a common religious platitude, and, though true in itself does not contain the fullness of the message it tries to convey. Yes, Our Lord loves you just the way you are because He is so merciful and loving that despite how disgusting and offensive your actions, thoughts, and ideas may be, He still sees His beloved creation: you. However, He loves you so much that Our Blessed Lord wants you and I in heaven with Him, which is why the end of our lives should be to know, to love, and to serve God. He loves you too much to let you continue down the road to punishment. Holiness is that which each person ought to be striving for. Everything else will fall into place. The quest for holiness leads to happiness, joy, peace, self control, good interpersonal relationships, etc.

I have met many a person who knows that a vocation is the way a person is to get to heaven. Suddenly, they become consumed in trying to figure out or “find” their vocation. They cannot move on without finding their vocation, so they try this, try that, embrace Ignatian spirituality for a month, then Franciscan, never really solidifying their relationship with Christ and with themselves. Honestly, yes, you want to know your vocation, but relax! Just strive for holiness and remove yourself from sin and your vocation will find you. Otherwise, you can get trapped into a cycle of “is he the one? Is this the time? Am I called to this order or that one?” each and every time a new option crosses your path, and you get all flustered that there may yet be another possible path.

Saint John Bosco was an acrobat as a youngster, and likened the way of sanctification to walking a tight rope. “I would keep my balance by looking straight ahead, my eye on my goal, never to either side or down. I knew that if I removed my eyes from the goal, I would lose my balance and fall” he said. “When striving for God, walk a straight path, and keep the minds eye turned to the Lord, never looking down or looking to either side, for I know I will fall and loose my way.”

Holiness is the means and the end. Everything else will fall into place. All I want is to begin life after death hearing the words: “Well done, my good and faithful servant…”