When I had an important decision to make, my mother would say: Think it over. She was right! Similar to when a sculptor strikes into a block of wood with his chisel, each decision taken affects one's life. Whether it is a choice in a field of studies or a career, whether it is opting for a particular lifestyle or a way of life, think it over because life moves us forward and it is difficult to turn back.

In his sermon—The Three Dimensions of a Complete Life, Martin Luther King states: The principle of self-acceptance is a basic principle in life… then each one of us must discover what we are called to do. Once we've discovered what God wants of our life, we should set out to do it with all of the strength and all of the power that we have in our systems. In other words, that which is of greatest importance is to be in touch with our heart, to hear the callings that demand attention, so that God's project, which He wants to entrust to our care, be fulfilled. Each one of us has a particular mission which no one else can achieve.

Choosing a career, a way of life, is to relinquish other possibilities. Scripture gives us examples of this. Deeply moved by her encounter with Jesus, the Samaritan woman leaves behind her jug of water at Jacob's well, and hastens to go tell others about Jesus. The passionate Paul of Tarsus abdicates his pharisaic ideal in order to collaborate in proclaiming the Mission of the Risen One: I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things (Phil.3:8). It is the same today.

There are young adults who willingly leave behind that which they treasure most in order to respond to a loving God's call and walk in the Lord's footsteps. Some turn away from wealth and opt to help the impoverished, the needy.

This issue briefly presents some life orientations. Each one of us has a specific vocation. To commit one's self, is to find a deep inner joy… which does not mean that we will not encounter any difficulties. Trials are part of life! They bring about growth. The strength of the Holy Spirit is always present to help us through and to guide us in shaping our lives each day, that it may become a work of art. That is the reason why each decision or choice we take, we must truly think it over!

Marie-Paule Sanfaçon, M.I.C.

Editorial January - February - March 2010

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