When we think of going all-out in service to the Lord, what may come to mind is someone who literally sells or gives his or her possessions away and follows Jesus to foreign lands to risk life and limb to assist the poor.

Some people are indeed called to do just that. Some of them have become recognized saints, and others grew into hidden saints through fulfilling that kind of call.

But that is not the only way that God invites His people toward perfection. An often hidden, difficult path that He asks of some people is one that we might name “stability” — being faithful to daily commitments when every fiber of a person’s body pulls at them to just go.

Blessed Columba Marmion for whom the Aurora area’s Marmion Abbey and Academy are named was said to be an outgoing fellow. Being tied to his monastery and its schedule of prayer and work was very hard on him. Some people would flow much more naturally into such a vocation, but Abbot Marmion had to struggle and “die” to himself in ways that would mystify those comfortable others.

There’s a cute comic strip called “Rose is Rose” that illustrates the battle faced by many people who are committed to a stable lifestyle, often centered around family ties and responsibilities.  Rose is usually meek and mild and good, but a breeze or a butterfly can bring out the “biker girl” within who would like nothing better than to hit the open road.

Many of us who stay, and stay, and stay because it is the right thing to do are similarly tempted. For this reason, a life that appears ideal may, perhaps through no one’s fault, be a great trial to some who are living it.

On the other hand, those of us who are happy to live a “normal” life as moms and dads, daughters and sons, sisters and brothers and coworkers may at some point find ourselves called by God to stretch past our comfortable lives. These calls take some discernment. A nudge to expand ourselves will not be hurtful to others if it comes from God.

What I’ve noticed with those who have answered such invitations from God is that their response often ends up being beneficial for their “first vocations.” I’m thinking of some who took in foster kids, others who started serving in ministries once their youngsters were older and many who brought the whole family along on a service project. I’m thinking also of men and women who felt a pull to join lay groups and communities that encourage prayer and growth in faith.

God can create saints in both normal and outside-the-box kinds of lives. Everyone’s path to holiness will look different because He designs individual plans according to peoples’ strengths and weaknesses, their histories and futures, as well as the current states of their hearts. He knows who is vulnerable to fear, to pride, to anger and to other things that can derail their good efforts.

The common denominator for moving closer to being all-in with God is our willingness to devote ourselves as best as we can to do what He asks us to do. St. Therese of Lisieux is popular for her “Little Way” of everyday things. What made her a powerful saint was simply that she poured as much love as she could into all that she did. That’s a great plan for all paths.

We may be clueless to others’ hidden trials, but God sees who is fighting what battles within. He knows our struggles and stands ready to help if we call upon Him.

His assistance, of course, may not be what we would expect. We might hope for the relief of our trials. But God knows what trial is necessary for us or others, and why.

He can provide us with inner strength to resist what tempts us to turn aside or run away from seeking and following Him.

In all difficulties, we can reach our hearts out to Him each day, hour or minute, sure that He will hear.
God calls us to challenging and difficult things, many of them unnoticed by the world. And through all things seen or unseen, it is best to be “all-in” with Him.