Transcript Chapter 2: Choices and Commitments

Chapter 2:
Choices and
Commitments
“You did not choose Me;
I chose you!”
John 15: 16
Holy Spirit of God, what should I do
with the rest of my life? How can I
know what paths I should follow? I
don’t want to make mistakes I’ll
regret. I want to do good with my
life. I want to find true happiness
and help others be happy. Give me
the wisdom and courage to shape my
life in ways that always leads me
closer to others and to you. Thank
you for the talents and abilities
you’ve given me. Help me choose the
path in life where I can use my gifts
best. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Schema
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Ministry – commitment to service
Discernment
Values
Why is faithfulness important?
Reality
• Vocation vs. Avocation
• Choosing your career path
• Living on your own
Outcomes
• Understand better the nature and meaning of
ministry within your vocation in life and the
importance of structuring your lifestyle according
to proper values and priorities
• Learn a process that can help you discern your
future occupation
• Have a fuller, more realistic awareness and
understanding of the practical skills and
responsibilities involved in living on your own
• Become better able to incorporate these skills into
your life now
With a partner…
• What does a
successful person look
like?
Discerning Life Choices
• Based on selfknowledge
• Abilities, skills,
activities,
relationships
• A life-long process
• Nothing magical
about it!
• Give yourself
enough time.
• Use the process of
discernment
“Lord, let me know myself, let me know YOU!”
(St. Augustine)
• The discernment process is a centuries’
old practice in the Christian tradition.
Step 1
• Explore your opportunities.
• Gather information about the
possibilities for you.
• Seek what is good and true.
Step 2
• Seek direction.
• Scripture, your own convictions.
• Pray to God for guidance.
Step 3
• Ask for advice.
• Seek out wise and trusted persons.
• Pick out a few people that you can
confide in and rely on for good, solid
insights.
Step 4
• Look at pro’s and con’s
• Look at your needs, abilities,
experiences, and relationships
• What does this life choice require of
you?
• What are the possibilities and
opportunities it offers you?
Finally…
• Choose your path freely and
deliberately.
• Never enter into a life choice because of
pressure.
• Listen to your heart!
• Discover how YOU can best love.
Lifestyle
• How you structure your life according to
your values and priorities.
• Which lifestyle are you drawn to?
• What’s really important in your life?
• What do you value more? Things?
Status? Prestige? People?
Live simply!
• Take a few minutes, find your own
space and read the handout from
What do YOU need to be happy?
• PHYSICAL
• SELF-ESTEEM
• COMPANIONSHIP/
INTIMACY
• SELFACTUALIZATION
• Physical
comfort/security
• Psychological
health/balance
• Emotional/spiritual
well-being
• Realization of your
potential
What does it take to remain
faithful?
• SELF-DISCIPLINE
• GRATIFICATION
Using one’s will
power to control
one’s thoughts,
desires, emotions,
or behavior
Satisfying needs or
desires, especially
for what is
pleasurable
Self-restraint
Not necessarily
sexual
To God there is nothing small.
The moment we have given it to
God
It becomes infinite.
Mother Teresa of Calcutta
What’s the difference?
Choosing a Career
• Tips:
• Start thinking about what you’d be successful at
and enjoy doing.
• Consider your options.
• Be flexible and eager to learn!
• Build on your own knowledge and experience.
• Follow your heart.
• Know what your gifts are and then share them!
Welcome to the “real world”!
What/who controls YOU?
Material things should help you live
your values and attain your goals.
They should not control your life!
“Survival 101”
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• To survive financially,
you need to create and
adhere to a budget.
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Your take-home pay
Your main living expenses
Occasional living expenses
Unexpected expenses
Monthly allowance for “fun
stuff”
• Regular savings for something
you want to buy
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Test Yourself!
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• Take a moment to
complete the inventory
on p. 34
• “Are you a tightwad or
a spendthrift?
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“If I could save time in a bottle…”
Jim Croce
• Make a “to do” list
• Prioritize
• Don’t procrastinate!
• Focus
• Know yourself
• Self-affirmation
• Keeps you organized and
calms your mind
• Tackle important things
first.
• Things to do don’t go
away!
• One thing at a time!
• Make tasks less boring
• Give yourself a reward!
Time and Spirituality
• Make time to regain your sense of inner
peace, stability, strength, hope,
direction.
• Eucharist and Reconciliation renew us
in strength, hope, healing, and
forgiveness.
• Time is the “money” God gives us to
spend on creating our life!