The path of vocational discernment is a journey of discovery – about ourselves, God’s dream for our lives, and the brothers and sisters who accompany us. It is undertaken freely and leads to genuine happiness.

In our daily lives, we seek certainties, proof, security, and a host of other things we deem necessary for stability and well-being. When it comes to vocation, we often pursue the same: something that assures that we are on the right path, and that this path alone can lead us to true happiness.

However, just as in many daily activities, there are always sacrifices to be made. For example, when we travel by plane, we cannot take everything with us; certain items and people are left behind. Furthermore, the journey is governed by strict rules regarding what can be carried, along with multiple controls, norms, and bureaucracies.

In such cases, in the name of security, we sacrifice a degree of freedom; yet, underlying all travel is a trust  – between people and in our responsibility for ourselves and others. Travel also necessitates making choices about what to pack in our suitcases – what we can, should, and can carry. Often, we accept these procedures as normal, without questioning: “Despite all these security measures, will I arrive safely? Should I take this flight? What guarantees do I have? How skilled and competent is the pilot? Can I trust those travelling with me?”

With vocation, the same applies: decisions must be made, and sacrifices are often required. Yet, it would be illogical to let doubts and fears prevent us from boarding this ‘plane’ to explore a new world – full of adventure and true happiness.

Here, as with air travel, the guarantees resemble those we trust in: there’s nothing to fear if we trust in the pilot (God Himself, who calls and accompanies us) and in those who journey with us (fellow seekers on the same vocational path, and companions – like flight attendants – who help us enjoy the trip better).

The key difference is that if we accidentally board the wrong aeroplane, the crew will assist us in finding the right one to our destination. Therefore, with this open possibility, there’s no reason to fear security or sacrificing freedom. Instead, it is within freedom that the process of vocational discernment unfolds, guiding us toward a life of abundant fullness (Jn 10, 10).

Only through sincere, supported discernment can we navigate the complexities of vocation. This process transforms it from a dark, frightening tunnel filled with dangers into a journey full of twists and turns, each presenting a new landscape—a greater world than we had imagined.

However, the ongoing discovery inherent in vocational discernment not only reveals a new world filled with fascinating landscapes; it also uncovers something even deeper: the understanding of ourselves, the recognition of the other walking beside us, and the awareness of the One who never lets us tread the path of life alone.

When embarking on the voyage of discovering our vocation, we may think we are about to find out what God desires from us. This is true, but before discovering God’s dream for us, we come to know what we truly dream of ourselves. This journey confronts us with our weaknesses and numerous obstacles that hinder us from daring to follow the best path. It is at this point that God’s action becomes especially evident.

As we face our vulnerabilities, we create space to embrace God’s revelation and His dream for us. God, who empowers those He chooses, is the One who selects the foolish of the world to shame the wise, and the weak to shame the strong (1 Cor. 1: 27).

Thus, vocation is less about possessing ‘superpowers’ and more about the greatness of our capacity to be surprised by God—who helps us see who we are, who we aspire to be, who He is, and who the others around us are: friends, companions, obstacles to our dreams… people who, in some way, will benefit from our full realisation. Consequently, vocation becomes a journey of joyful surprises, waiting around every turn and at every obstacle overcome.

Discernment enables us to unveil the world we long for—a world that God freely offers without reserve, without demanding the sacrifice of our freedom. It is the world we yearn for and deeply desire. As we walk the vocational path, marvelling at the gift we receive, we can embrace God’s dream as the fullness of our own aspirations—the dreams and desires concerning ourselves and the challenging world around us. (S. V. B.)