My cousin recently made the decision to become a postulant of the Marian Sisters as she considers God’s call to religious life. She will spend six months in prayerful consideration to determine the direction that her life should take while she becomes accustomed to their traditions and way of life in the convent located outside of Waverly, Neb. This is a time totally dedicated to asking God how her time and talents should be used to glorify God and listen for God’s call.

My cousin’s decision really made me reflect on how I am serving Christ and what kind of steward I have been. I’m not considering becoming a Sister, but I am reconsidering how I am using the time and talents God has given me to practice Avera’s core value of stewardship. Am I listening to what God is calling me to do, or am I stifling God’s voice with the busyness of my life and the excuses that so readily roll off the tongue? Am I truly involved in restoring a right relationship with all the world and its Creator, or is it my agenda that I’m serving?

The discernment my cousin is about to embark on is something I think I can learn from and apply to my daily life. Taking time to pray about the direction my life is taking and how I can be a part of Jesus’ ministry is something that should happen more often than when a life changing event forces me to think about it. Just as importantly, I need to remember to take the time to actually listen to God’ response to those prayers and not assume that I know better, so that I can truly be a servant and steward of Christ.