Brandon says: When I graduated from high school, I had no idea what to do, so I went into a liberal arts program in college. I switched majors a couple of times and finished with a math degree. I was employed as a statistician right after graduation, but didn’t really enjoy it, so I found a job in the actuarial department of an insurance company. I’m still not happy, but I have no idea what I should be doing. I’ve asked God many times what I’m supposed to do, but I’m not hearing any answers. I don’t feel I’m where I belong. Instead, I just feel lost.

The expert says:  Mother Teresa taught high school for many years, and at one point was the principal of the school. She didn’t hear her call to begin ministry in Calcutta until she was 36, and didn’t receive permission to make the change until she was 38. One might say that her years as a teacher were necessary in preparation for her ultimate calling.  Stephen Covey, in The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, refers to the principle of potential, which means that we “can grow, develop and release more potential, develop more and more talents” (p. 34). In other words, while some people may be made aware of their true talents and abilities earlier in life, for many people it may not become clear for years. Thus, it is necessary for us to embrace where we stand at any given point in life, because even though we may feel restless, we need to trust God’s plan and believe that we are being groomed, that our potential is being generated.

Prayer is the key to uncovering our capability and allowing it to grow:

• Pray unceasingly. God will give you what you need because of your persistence (Lk 11:5-8), and it may take time to align our lives with God’s call.

• Pray for wisdom to distinguish between God’s call and the motives of this world.

• Pray for patience to allow God to work in your life.

• Pray for the grace and joy to appreciate where you are at the moment, and how you are growing.

Brandon can find peace in the realization that he isn’t lost; he just may not be able to see in through the fog. Therefore, he needs to trust God’s light to guide him, and rest in that understanding.