When I talk about my vocation with monks or nuns who have been in vows longer than I have, I often hear the phrase "God never said it would be easy, only that it would be worth it". I'm sure many other people on many other paths have heard the same thing, however the choice of living out a monastic vocation (if it really is a choice) is an especially difficult way to live.

Having a spiritual director is essential for many monastics, but especially for monastics in positions of leadership. A good spiritual director holds you accountable and helps you explore both joyful and troublesome areas of your spiritual life and vocation.