Reflection of a Sister: Running with God

The ultimate goal for Hearts' Journey is to help others discover their own spiritual road map. Some will experience the beauty and joy of our lifestyle as Adorers and join us.

WICHITA, KS (Adorers) - I've been a long distance runner for three decades. I can't tell you exactly how many miles I've put on these legs, but I do know it's more than 70,000. I really like to run and I run a lot!

Running has been a vital part of my life and well-being. It keeps my heart and soul healthy. I've had many conversations with God while wearing my running shoes. I've cried with God, praised God, raised questions about God, and even scolded God while adding up the miles.

But, perhaps most importantly, I've listened and dreamed with od, often feeling myself in full stride with God's dreams for me. At times, I know I'm running in perfect rhythm with my life, experiencing joy, peace and wisdom beyond explanation.

Running is more than just staying physically fit and healthy. God's presence is routinely a part of my run, a time for watching, waiting and listening to the nudging of the Spirit.

I often find it a time for discerning the deeper qualities and meaning in life. For me, it's conducive to open and honest communication with God. I've met God in a variety of ways while enjoying the benefits of exercising. Absorbing the warmth of the sun, leaning into the strong Kansas winds, admiring the beauty of a sunrise, watching children play in the park are some ways I connect with God.

Of course, there are also my inner thoughts and feelings, a dynamic place to probe while experiencing the solitude of a morning run. I've faced the whole gamut of human emotion and thought while running with God along the country roads. One of my favorite distractions is being stopped by a lost driver in need of directions. There's a subtle joy in having the opportunity to help someone.

However, in our fast-paced, multi-tasked world, discernment is becoming somewhat of a lost art. More in fashion is the practice of mindless running here and running there with no focus on the Spirit. Our culture does not encourage the qualities of watching, waiting and listening. Still, as human persons, we are designed for deeper discernment. We are gifted with all we need to make healthy and meaningful choices for our lives.

As Vocation Director, I often find myself guiding young Catholic adults in their discernment toward religious life. These are thoughtful, devoted young Catholics who are serious about discerning if God is calling them to consecrated life.

My religious community, the Adorers of the Blood of Christ, offers practical and experiential options to those who are serious seekers. We have a "house of discernment" located in Wichita, Kansas, designed to provide a time and place for those discerning a call to Religious Life. The community, appropriately called Hearts' Journey, provides ample opportunity for spiritual growth, group and private prayer, community outreach, mentoring relationships and peer support.

The ultimate goal for Hearts' Journey is to help others discover their own spiritual roadmap. Some will experience the beauty and joy of our lifestyle as Adorers and join us. Others will discern a different path and make different choices. Either way, we will be grateful for the opportunity to provide assistance in giving direction to discerners.

For more information about Hearts' Journey, contact Sr. Jan Lane, ASC, at lanej@adorers.org or 1-877-236-7377. She serves as the Vocation Director for the U.S. Region of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ.