For if we live, we live for the Lord, and if we die, we die for the Lord; so then, whether we live or die, we are the Lord's. // Romans 14:8

I can be a very opinionated person with very strong preferences. This made discerning my vocation rather interesting. I had numerous desires in my heart, dreams for the future, and plans that I had made. When I discerned into religious life and moved into a convent, certain things lived and many things died. When I discerned out of religious life after six years, certain things lived and many things died. The cycle of life, suffering, death, and the Resurrection are ongoing in the path to holiness. Each cycle leads to deeper purification and union with the Trinity.    

As I have walked alongside Christ on this journey towards union with Him in Heaven, Jesus has been teaching me about detachment. I remain attached to Him, walking arm in arm, in prayer and the Sacraments. Jesus is teaching me how to be detached from my preferences, surrendering my heart to His perfect will. Jesus is uniting my heart to His Sacred Heart—teaching my heart to be attentive, ready, and receptive. I remain attentive to Him, listening in prayer and keeping my eyes open for ways to serve in His Kingdom. I strive to be ready with quick obedience to the Father’s will. And I desire for my heart to be receptive to receive both everything and nothing.

I have experienced great peace because there is no fear when we know that we are the Lord’s.  Sister, this is the truth that we can rest in today. The Lord sees us, knows us, and desires our good. Today may be a day of life, suffering, death, or the Resurrection. Wherever you are, whatever you are experiencing, may you experience an abundance of peace because we are the Lord's.