How Do I Know What God Wants Me To Do?
Fr. Jim Bilot, director Priestly Vocations

Throughout our lives, especially when we are in high school and college, we ask the question, "What should I do with my life?"

For some it is easy because the desire has been there since childhood. "I always wanted to be a pilot." "An athlete." "A teacher." "A nurse." Some base their future on a dream. "I always dreamed of being in law" or "in medicine" or "in business…." Still others have had a calling to dedicate their lives to the ministry of the Church through the diocesan priesthood (the parish priest) or through religious life as a sister or brother or priest. Depending on life circumstances or our own inner strength and convictions, we pursue the desire of our heart or the dream is put on hold or squelched or perhaps changed by the grace of our Lord, Jesus.

I always thought about being the businessman going out to conquer "corporate America." So when I graduated from high school I went on to college to achieve a degree in business and go out to the work world, coat and tie, briefcase in hand ready to use the newfound knowledge I gained at the university.

There is a problem here. Nobody told me to pursue business but others had suggestions for my life. I didn't listen. Besides, what do they know? They don't know me! Or do they know me better than I know myself?

Another problem. I never asked the Lord what I should do with my life. I went to church faithfully, was involved in parish ministry as a layman, starting in high school, so I was familiar with God and the Church.

Why then didn't I ask God, who gave me life and all that I possess as a human being, what I should do with this life given to me? I am not sure why I didn't. Lack of maturity, lack of insight into the spiritual life, ignorance?

One thing I do know is that with time I did come to the awakening that I needed to ask God what I should be doing with my life. The business world was interesting and challenging but it left a void deep within my being.

Once I finally acknowledged this void, I was confronted with God and myself. So I asked. And I received an answer. Actually I wasn't surprised because parishioners and the parish priests were telling me all along, "Jim you should be a priest."

Now it made sense why some people were not excited about me being in college for business. They knew I would do well but I could do and be something beyond my own expectation and dreams.

Here it is 11-and-a-half years later, a parish priest for the Archdiocese of Detroit. My craziest expectations of business pale in comparison to my life and ministry as a priest. I have met so many wonderful people that I never would have had the opportunity to be with in any other walk of life.

Sharing in the joys and sorrows of people's lives is a wonderful insight into the mystery of life. Celebrating the sacraments of the church is beyond words. Only in faith can one experience the change in people's lives when you absolve them of their sins, when they receive the Holy Eucharist, hoping that it will bring them closer to the Lord.

I hope and pray that each of us will always pray to the Lord to know God's dream for us. If we ask, I believe that Jesus will lead us into the mystery of life that will bring energy, challenges and His abiding grace beyond our comprehension. That is worth living for.

If you think you may be called to the priesthood or religious life but your dream doesn't seem to fit in, don't hesitate to ask the Lord and contact the Vocations Office of the Archdiocese of Detroit.