Changing Habits Read Free Page B

vocation?” she asked.
    â€œNot until after I graduated from high school.”
    That surprised Angie. “So late?”
    Sister smiled. “I was nineteen.”
    â€œBut how did you know? ”
    Sister Trinita glanced down at her hands, which she’d removed from her sleeves. “That’s not easy to explain. I felt it in my heart.” She brought one hand to the stiff white bib of her habit. “I longed to serve God, to follow Him wherever He led me.”
    â€œEven if that meant not marrying or ever having children?” This was the most difficult aspect of a vocation for Angie to understand.
    â€œIt was what God asked of me.”
    â€œI couldn’t imagine living without a husband,” Angie confessed. “I’m sure I’d feel incomplete.”
    â€œI’m married to Christ, Angie. He is the one who makes me whole.”
    Angie didn’t think she could ever feel the same. It wasn’t as if Christ was here on earth. She wanted the same things in life that her friends did—a husband, a real flesh-and-blood husband. One who would hold her close and talk with her and…and kiss her. She wanted children of her own, too.
    â€œHas your father remarried?” Sister asked next.
    She shook her head. Her father never would. There was no room in his heart for another woman. No room for anyone other than Angie.
    â€œDo you think your father is incomplete?” Sister asked. “He’s lived all these years without a wife.”
    â€œNot at all,” Angie said quickly, aghast at the suggestion. Her father was content. He owned a thriving business, had his friends—he bowled one night a week with his cronies—and focused his hopes and dreams on her.
    â€œNeither am I,” Sister said. “You see, with obedience comes joy, and there is no greater joy than serving our Lord.”
    No greater joy, Angie repeated in her mind. It was at that moment that the idea sprang to life.
    â€œSister,” she whispered, her voice trembling with excitement. “I think God might be speaking to me.” It frightened her to admit it, to actually say the words aloud.
    â€œDo you, Angie?”
    â€œYes, Sister.” She exhaled sharply. “Oh, no!”
    â€œNo?” Sister asked with a gentle smile.
    â€œMy father—he won’t like this.” God was calling her. Angie felt the desire to serve Him gaining strength in her heart, becoming more real with every minute. When she’d first sat down with Sister Trinita, she’d had no idea where the conversation would take her. God had brought this special nun back into her life at exactly the right moment. It was His way of speaking to Angie and revealing her vocation. As always, God’s timing was perfect.
    â€œI have a boyfriend, too,” Angie murmured, thinking of the obstacles she had yet to face. “He works part-time at the restaurant and he’s cute, but…”
    â€œAre you and this young man serious?”
    â€œNo…we’re not going steady or anything.” The truth was, Ken was more of a friend than a boy friend. They’d gone to her school prom together and they talked on the phone once or twice a week, but it wasn’t anything serious. Ken would probably understand if Angie announced that she wanted to become a nun. But her father never would.
    â€œMight I suggest you keep this matter to yourself for now?” Sister said.
    Angie blinked back tears of joy. “I don’t know if I can. I feel like my heart’s about to burst wide open.” She hurriedly wiped her eyes. “I really think God’s calling me to be His bride. What should I do now?”
    â€œPray,” Sister said. “He will lead you. And if your father objects, God will show you the way.”
    Shortly after she returned from Boston, Angie realized how right Sister Trinita was. She should’ve kept the call to herself. Instead, she’d made