CALLED TO SERVE

ARRIANNE WHITTAKER

I was a senior at Marquette University and trying to discern my next step in life. I had always intended to attend medical school but couldn’t seem to commit to this plan. As the first semester closed, I found myself in a panic. What would I do next fall? A friend suggested I research committing to a year of service. I did and was accepted as a Providence Volunteer Minister. For one year I worked in a free clinic in Terre Haute, Ind., run by the Sisters of Providence of
St. Mary-of–the-Woods, Ind.

Was I restless for something more? In reflection upon my year, the only answer I can surmise is, yes, I was. But I had no idea how much I desired that “something more” or how it would manifest itself in my life. I entered my year full of pride for my sacrifice. I left full of humility and gratitude for the gifts I had received.

This experience ignited in me a passion to find my mission in life. I became more informed about the world I live in. The apathy I had often allowed myself to lapse into no longer seemed a viable option. I found love for deep and thought-provoking conversations. I discovered in myself the potential of doubt; and yet, in the same moment, I found a faith deeper than I had ever known myself capable of. I discovered the virtue of a servant’s spirit: humble, compassionate, and generous. I found peace in living a simple and socially aware existence. I found a home in God’s Providence.

In this light, I cannot help but see the restlessness that was present in my life. It was a restlessness to discover who I was and who God was calling me to be. It was not until I began to find the answers I was looking for that I even realized I had been searching. And as I uncovered answers, I began to discover even more questions, which I suspect may be the point. So here’s to a life full of restlessness as the journey continues!