Where I'm At

A few days ago when we were supposed to start the Faith Dare, I went to the weekly Wednesday night T.E.C. (Teens Encounter Christ) mass.  During his homily, Deacon Rob acted as Joseph, Mary's husband and Jesus' foster father, giving us a look at this biblical character's perspective on events.  There were parts of the talk where Deacon Rob specifically looked at me and made a point that his words were directed at me. He knows that I feel called to religious life and has been nudging me to consider this path.  Am I grateful for his outreach?  I should be.  So why is it so hard for me to accept such deeds as his?  Why do I shrink away from moments of addressing my discernment and feel disconnected?  Answer: I am still frightened of holiness, of fulfilling my purpose, of glorifying God in living out His plan for me.  It's natural to fear the future, the new, and the unknown.  When we are open to taking consistent baby steps of making acquaintances, however, and we progress.  I am thankful for this Faith Dare, which will help me to respond to Jesus' invitation to know him more deeply, day by day.