www.vocation.com - My mom hates the idea that I enter religious life.

	Libby asks: Hello there. I have had "inclinations" towards religious life for the past four years and started serious spiritual direction almost a year and a half ago. I have been in general discernment this whole time getting ready for vocation discernment. Even though I am not in formal discernment, I am really starting to get a sense that I may be called to religious life.... I also have this desire to completely surrender my life to Christ, not only in my daily life (which I do already), but in everything I do. My spiritual director is aware of this, and pretty soon we will be going into vocation discernment. However, the conflict comes in with my mother... The reason my mom hates the idea (for the most part) is because she wants grandchildren.... I know that I will eventually speak with my spiritual director about this conflict with my mother and ultimately I have to trust in the Lord, but if you could provide any advice or input, I would appreciate it.
	Dear Libby, There is only one piece of advice I can give you: keep your priorities straight. If you put God in first place, everything else will work out for the best. It may take a long time (these things usually do, since we are talking about real life here, and not a TV show) and the attitudes that we are up against are deeply ingrained. The main thing to ask God for your mother is not that she accept or understand your vocation (from what you say it would sound like you may have one), but the gift of faith. Faith will help her not only in this instance but in the many other difficulties we must face in life. God bless,


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