If you haven’t gotten it already, I am a nature guy. No, not one of those tree-hugging, leftist activists, but a person who appreciates the outdoors. Often times I pray the Magnificat outside when the weather is nice, because one of my favorite things to do is observe what God has created in nature. The most powerful place for me definitely has to be the beach. I love to surf/bodyboard whenever the swells get big, and the power of the waves seems to parallel the power of Christ in my life.
This past weekend I headed up to Founder’s Hollow with some other students for a retreat. Most of the retreat was surrounded on discerning out religious vocations, particularly focusing on the Society of Mary. Thus far, it was the best retreat I have ever been on. The best part for me had to be when we were given an hour for quiet meditation. Since the weather was nice I headed outside to the large Cross on the front lawn, grabbed a large green lawn chair, and laid back. I guess you can say my mind was spinning a bit after a long discussion about religious vocations. When will I make my decision? Diocese or Religious life? Will I get to surf ever again? Do I really have to give up sports?
When I sat down I put away my rosary beads, put aside the book I wanted to read, and just took a look at the Cross. It’s certainly easy to get all stressed out about many things in today’s world, especially a religious vocation. But when I looked at the cross, I thought about how calm and relaxed Jesus seemed to be at times in his life, especially on the cross. Jesus even had the serenity to say “Father, forgive them” while he was hanging on the cross. That is one thing I need to work on- becoming more comfortable with my vocation. A priest once told me, “When you start to think too much, you start to sink.” Very true.
Follow your heart, because that’s where your vocation is.
Contributed by one of our Marianist high school students
