Overview

"The Messy Quest for Meaningwill be very beneficial to people who are looking for help in determining their professional vocation or their calling in any area of life. Although Martin bases his points on Catholic practices, he masterfully explains the five steps in a way that non-Catholics can also apply them. Trying to understand one's vocation or calling is not unique to any particular belief system, and Martin's information will be valuable to anyone searching for guidance and encouragement in his or her own messy quest."--ForeWord Reviews"The Messy Questis not a career-guidance handbook, but something more profound, more foundational. ...The book draws overtly on Catholic teaching. Yet, non-Catholics (perhaps especially non-Catholics) might find that this moving story and the process (Martin) chronicles resonates with them. In each chapter, he tells of his life and his discovering of various Catholic mystics and activists, and shows how seekers can integrate the wisdom of the saints into their own journeys of faith."--Comment"The experience of reading Stephen Martin'sThe Messy Quest for Meaningis like that of a having a prolonged conversation with a wise mentor, who in response to your droning on about your angst-filled career hand-wringing, tells you stories about how he, and others, have wrestled similarly. Your situation, he communicates, is not so unique, it's actually very typical. We can take great comfort in the fact that others have hoed this row and have shared with us the lessons reaped."--The Englewood Review of Books"The Messy Quest for Meaning" is a strong pick for self-help collections, highly recommended." --Midwest Book Review"What distinguishes this book is the author's new, refreshing voice. The honesty and humility with which Martin tells his own story of seeking his vocation shows enough hard-earned wisdom to make him a credible guide for readers of any age. And the surprise of his pitch-perfect humor adds to the book's rare depth, which in this era of 'spirituality lite' makes his words and ideas memorable. Do yourself a favor and read this book." --Karen Sue Smith, Editorial Director,America"Stephen Martin generously offers us a glimpse inside his own messy quest for meaning in this engaging book. Inclining the ear of his heart to the monastic tradition, while at the same time listening carefully to the practical wisdom of contemporary works on leadership, he gives pilgrims--all of us--a road map for discernment of our vocations. This hopeful book will be a welcome gift to anyone still sorting out who God is calling them to be." --Tim Muldoon, Author ofLonging to Love"What should I do? Who am I meant to become? Deftly using his own life as a springboard to understanding Catholic traditions of 'discernment,' Stephen Martin helps readers discover answers to those two central questions. Invitingly honest, often provocative, and unfailingly useful,The Messy Quest for Meaningis a boon to anyone who seeks answers to questions of vocation and identity, so as to enter more deeply into a relationship with God, the fulfillment of all our longings." --Rev. James Martin, S.J., Author ofBetween Heaven and Mirth"Having spent many years learning from and periodically living in monastic communities, I admire how Stephen Martin brings alive, through compelling stories and crisp prose, Trappist practices that can transform our lives. This memorable book speaks directly to the seeker in each of us, offering practical wisdom for moving deeper into our callings." --August Turak, Entrepreneur and Grand Prize Winner, John Templeton Foundation Power of Purpose Essay Contest"What distinguishes this book is the author's new, refreshing voice. The honesty and humility with which Martin tells his own story of seeking his vocation shows enough hard-earned wisdom to make him a credible guide for readers of any age. And the surprise of his pitch-perfect humor adds to the book's rare depth, which in this era of 'spirituality lite' makes his words and ideas memorable. Do yourself a favor and read this book." --Karen Sue Smith, Editorial Director,America"Stephen Martin generously offers us a glimpse inside his own messy quest for meaning in this engaging book. Inclining the ear of his heart to the monastic tradition, while at the same time listening carefully to the practical wisdom of contemporary works on leadership, he gives pilgrims--all of us--a road map for discernment of our vocations. This hopeful book will be a welcome gift to anyone still sorting out who God is calling them to be." --Tim Muldoon, Author ofLonging to Love"What should I do? Who am I meant to become? Deftly using his own life as a springboard to understanding Catholic traditions of 'discernment,' Stephen Martin helps readers discover answers to those two central questions. Invitingly honest, often provocative, and unfailingly useful,The Messy Quest for Meaningis a boon to anyone who seeks answers to questions of vocation and identity, so as to enter more deeply into a relationship with God, the fulfillment of all our longings." --Rev. James Martin, S.J., Author ofBetween Heaven and Mirth"Having spent many years learning from and periodically living in monastic communities, I admire how Stephen Martin brings alive, through compelling stories and crisp prose, Trappist practices that can transform our lives. This memorable book speaks directly to the seeker in each of us, offering practical wisdom for moving deeper into our callings." --August Turak, Entrepreneur and Grand Prize Winner, John Templeton Foundation Power of Purpose Essay Contest