Someone once told me that the term discernment means more than discerning a vocation in life. They said that we discern everyday of our lives? Is this true? If so, how can someone discern everyday of their life? I always thought discerning meant discerning your own vocation in life.. your own calling in life from God?

hello! yes, i thought discernment meant that one was discerning their vocation in life! wither to be married, enter into the priesthood or the religious life, or to stay single. that's kinda confusing to me now. i mean, we all have to discern everyday instances, like wither we'll choose to sin in certain circumstances or whatnot. maybe that's what they mean?

I think in the sense that we are all called to holiness, we can see each day as a conversation (a true listening) with God to see where/what He leads us to. In that way, each day is discerning holiness- discerning how we can be closest to God!

HTH

yes, i never thought of it that way. that's a great way to see it! each day is a new opportunity to be called closer to holiness. awesome!

It's also discernment of spirits -- whether or not inspirations come from the right source. I would think that would be done on a daily basis, and many times at that.

Blessings,
Gemma

yes, that's true.

Yeah, I think discernment is part of living in the present moment. You go where the Holy Spirit leads you on a daily basis, even (and especially) in the little things, like whether it would be the right thing to have second helpings of such-and-such a food, or whether it's the right time for entertainment, or study... that sort of thing.

yes! and those are the hardest to overcome it seems, because even though there little matters, there battled with almost every second of the day!

I agree completely! The little things are something that seem to challenge us every second, so we must start with the smallest things as well in a journey to grow closer to God. I've heard people use the word discern just as they would say 'decide'. So I guess its not very limited

A very important aspect of discernment is movement. I think people (including myself) have mistaken discernment as a time to say "I don't know" and be fine with that. Of course, there is a time in everyone's life where they are not meant to know, but it's important to always discern what the next step should be. Then pray for the strength to do it.
My favorite quote: "The Holy Spirit can't guide you unless you're moving!" ~Sister Gilmary, Religious Sisters of Mercy