Getting ready to make an important decision? Whether you have to make a decision now or something you have time to ponder on, don't forget to stop and ask yourself this one important question.
—This post is courtesy of Dominican Sisters of Hope. (Original publish date November 16, 2015), Shared with permission—
Don't Miss This Step When Making an Important Decision
Regardless of where we are in life, making decisions isn’t easy.
When Dominican Sister of Hope Janice Dionne, OP was discerning becoming a Dominican Sister, she didn’t jump right in. Her older biological sister was a Dominican Sister of Newburgh (now Dominican Sisters of Hope), and her four brothers were fighting overseas in World War Two.
One summer, Sister Janice came across an opportunity to study in France for a few weeks, but she dismissed it too quickly.
“I remember thinking that I couldn’t take it,” Sister recalls. “I had to be back in school that fall. And I thought I would never use the material.”
It wasn’t until she listened to the input from those around her that she began to see what a unique opportunity it really was. Other sisters explained that it was a once-in-a-lifetime chance, and that they felt she would really enjoy it. Although it wasn’t clear when she would use the knowledge, they were sure God would give her a chance to use it sometime.
Finally, Sister Janice agreed to go. She was offered a scholarship for the summer study program.
“I was so glad I went,” Sister Janice says.
As it was, she used her knowledge from that program later when she taught French at Mount Saint Mary College and Continuing Education with adult students.
Regardless of where we are in life, decision- making isn’t easy. Looking back on her decisions, Sister Janice says that you can trust your first instinct sometimes, but not always. She says that she wishes she had prayed about her decisions more and had given herself more time to discern.
“When I was getting ready to come to the convent, I didn’t hop right in. As a young lady, I thought, ‘I need to think about this, and I need to pray about it,’” Sister Janice says. “I should have done the same once I was in the convent, too.”
When it comes to decision-making, a gut reaction can sometimes indicate the right choice. Yet, Sister Janice has an even more valuable lesson to share: Don’t jump into anything. Consider your instincts. Don’t be afraid to say ‘no.’
Don’t jump into anything. Consider your instincts. Don’t be afraid to say ‘no.’
And, more than anything, don’t rush. Patience really is a virtue, especially when making choices that will have a big impact on your life.
“I should have prayed more and not listened to others’ opinions,” Sister Janice says. When asked what advice she wishes she could give her past self, she knows the answer immediately.
“I would tell myself, ‘Don’t decide right away,’” she shares. “Give it some time.”
So do you think this is something you can do? Let us know below in the comments! 🙂
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