I think God would call me to a religious vocation for many reasons. First of all, I’m kind to others. I like to help other people and I feel proud when I know that I have done something good for someone else. Maybe God might want to use me to help others throughout the world because I also like to travel, especially to South America. I think I would enjoy going somewhere in South America and working with the poor and the oppressed.

Maybe I could serve God by converting others and showing them that God really does exist and Catholicism is the logical religion to practice by presenting them with the facts and showing them how they relate to our religion.

God also might choose for me a religious vocation because I am a hard worker and am persistent. I don’t easily give in when something gets harder but I continue to try and succeed to reach the ultimate goal. A life of service to God would no doubt be difficult, but I think that my will to succeed would help me immensely.

If God were to choose me for a vocation I think it would be for these things.

I have found that I have a deep appreciation and adoration for my Catholic faith. This devotion has not been without inner struggle though. For the majority of my lifetime my faith has been on the proverbial back burner. I always held a grudge against God for taking my father from me without even allowing me to get to know him. There were times I disbelieved in God’s existence and times I believed He existed, yet hated Him. Eventually I let the wounds heal, and I made my peace with God. Still, I was a stagnant Catholic and still I struggled. Was Catholicism the "true" religion? Is there even a "true" religion? Finally I knocked my walls down and let God flow into my life. Since that time my life has taken on new meaning. All the struggles with God and qualms I had with the Catholic church only made my faith stronger in the end.

Many teens and young adults are often faced with this same question. I mean why would God want me? What makes me so special? I’m just me. The truth is, God wants everyone, even you. There are several religious vocations that God is calling each and every one of us to live out. First, God calls some to lead a single religious life. Next, the largest category, married life comes into play. Finally there is the life of a holy person, either a priest, a sister, or a brother. These people spend their entire vocation lives living with God, praying with God, and serving God as much as they can. These are the three types of religious vocation lives.

God would call me to a religious vocation for many reasons. Mainly because of my many talents He has granted me. My ability to work well with people, my love for children, and my creativity. Seeing as I do not know the calling God has wished upon me just yet, my life is an open canvas, waiting for the brushstroke of God to complete it. God would call me to a religious vocation because He knows that I will try to live out His will to the best of my ability. Either as a single religious, a priest, or a family man, God’s wish is my command. God will call me to a religious vocation because I am well...me.

When I heard the question, "Why would God call me to a religious vocation,?" I sort of almost laughed. Surely God wouldn’t want me to do his work. Then my teacher told us that in writing this essay, I should think of things or qualities I have to offer. I changed my way of thinking somewhat, and now think that maybe there are good qualities I can bring to the table of the Lord.

Overall, I think I am a generous person. My goal in life is to become a physiatrist, so I can help others solve their problems productively. I realize I can also accomplish these goals as a priest. The priest in my parish aids others by visiting the sick, homebound, and elderly. He also teaches younger kids and gives counsel to married couples, or anyone in crisis. This is a form of helping others, so is this what God is calling me to do?

On the other hand, I am very athletic. I’m on the Freshman basketball team, so how can this and the religious life fit? Well, maybe I could use these talents as a way to interact with young people. Maybe I could teach them the game or play around with them. I could also teach them about God and guide them through prayer in the process.

I also have a very deep prayer life which is always a plus. Although many of peers may not make this a part of their daily life, I always try very hard to find time for God. I know that your relationship with God is one of the most important relationships you will have, and that you should cherish prayer because it prepares you for heaven. I think these are important principles for anyone to hold, not only the religious.

In conclusion could I be called for the religious life? Yes, I think this is a very strong possibility, and I have some of the qualities needed for this great occupation. But at the present time I do not feel any strong callings, so I will just leave all my options open and continue praying that the Holy Spirit will lead me in the right direction.