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Driving home from the first meeting of an adult class that I am teaching, I made several wrong turns, and as I often do, I got lost. Being geographically challenged brings many opportunities for practicing trust and patience. In the journey of life, we are all trying to find our way, to find God's way for us.

As Vocation Minister for the Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament, I am often asked, "How do you know where God is leading you?"

How did I know when I chose to become a Sister of the Incarnate Word? And how do I know today that I am where I am meant to be? The knowing for me has been mystery and grace. From an early age I had a desire to live the way of life of a Sister, spending my life, my gifts, my energy for God. That desire was my first and strongest clue of where God was leading me. Reflecting with family, friends, sisters and priests raised important questions for me, and their support helped me to take steps toward a decision. The faith life of my family kept me in awareness of Who was calling me.

Having been taught by the Sisters of the Incarnate Word, I was drawn to their community. A few months after graduating from high school, I joined the formation program of the Sisters. Since then, our life as consecrated women has evolved in ways we never expected at that time. There have been days of darkness and doubt for me, as there are in any life, but the years have been mostly rich and challenging.

Our way of life enables us to devote time, energy, talents, our all, to the quest for God and service of God's people. By living with others in community, I gradually become aware of my gifts and weaknesses, and am challenged to grow. By responding to needs in ministry, I am invited to "stretch" in ways I wouldn't consider before. When I minister, I go, not on my own, but with a praying community focused on one mission: to adore the Incarnate Word, God-Made-Flesh for love of us, and to be that love for others.

And so the story continues to unfold.