Writers and journalists use the term ‘seed moments’ to refer to a small, specific moment within a larger event or experience to create a detailed and engaging narrative.  This particular approach is often used in personal narrative writing.  Instead of writing about a whole day or a major event, the writer zooms in on a single significant moment within it to add depth and detail to engage the reader.

When I first heard this description, I thought of moments throughout the day when my attention is drawn to some detail, in which I perceive God’s presence.  It might be a moment of deep listening to another’s joys or challenges, or some insight gained about a new project, or some aspect of a growing relationship.  In moments such as these, I sense that God is preparing something new, even if I do not fully understand it yet.  These are seed moments.

Seed moments can also be an experience of germinating some idea or notion of a life call or vocation that is developing within us.  We notice the inner idea growing and are also paying attention to how we respond or react to what we are noticing interiorly.

 We have the choice to stay with these moments or pass them by.  Sages urge us to ‘savor’ these moments, to continue consciously holding them in our awareness for as long as they continue to speak to us.  ‘Savor’ is an interesting yet apt description for seed moment experiences, as we are naturally drawn to them and want to slow down the movement of the experience so we can savor it in a spiritual sense.  Thus, we can appreciate the experience to the fullest, just as we want to savor a tasty meal by eating it slowly.

Though the seed moment itself may be very brief in entering our awareness, it emphasizes the importance of making choices aligned with God’s will or God’s desire for us.  The moments of our noticing, however, are key.  The noticing deepens our attentiveness to the movement and call of the Spirit, encouraging us to pay attention to the feelings that are evoked within us.  Sometimes fear overtakes us, and we do not express these reactions to God nor pay attention to God’s response.  An experience of God can take place over a long period of time: for instance, God inviting a person to be God’s “resting place” in various ways over several years.  Or it can happen briefly, such as a person having a heartfelt glimpse of God’s smiling and rejoicing.  A seed moment experience helps us grow in our relationship with God and others.

Vocational seed moments might come into our awareness gradually, perhaps as a curious wondering about what vowed religious life in community might be like.  Or we might notice something in our outer life that draws our attention to ponder further.  You might, for example, be drawn to talking to a Sister about her vocation story or feeling drawn to learn more about a particular community because their focus in ministry resonates with your desires.

If you are experiencing vocational seed moments, why not give us a call to start a conversation?  Perhaps talking to someone will help nourish this seed moment and guide you toward the choice God has in mind for you.  Or, join us for a Come and See Discernment weekend, September 12-14, 2025 at our Motherhouse in Columbus.  Click here for more information about this retreat and to register.