We asked you, readers, for your stories of finding God in the unexpected. Not unexpectedly, you delivered by sharing your moving encounters with God. Here’s a sampling from dotMagis blog readers. More will be shared in future posts.
Big Smile
I was sitting in the waiting room of the dentist’s office, and a young mother entered with her one-year-old daughter in her arms. They sat down across from me, and the tiny girl lit up with a big smile and said, “Hi!” to me. I responded with my own greeting, and she continued to smile and repeat her enthusiastic, “Hi!” It made my day as I felt God’s love and joy emanating from this little one to me. I learned that her name was Harmony, very fitting for such a pleasant child. It was an unexpected God moment.
—Nancy Robinson
Touching Jesus
On my first Ignatian directed retreat, I was struggling with the existence of God (which is why I went on retreat in the first place!). I told my director that I was like Thomas: I needed to touch the wounds in Jesus’ hands to believe. At the end of my retreat, my director suggested that I pray with the road to Emmaus reading. I took my Bible and walked to a path I hadn’t been on. As I walked and read about the two disciples’ encounter with Jesus, I looked up and saw a large, wild Japanese honeysuckle plant. To me, the flowers looked like hands, with four fingers straight up and the thumb pointing in the other direction. As the flowers moved up the branches, their color changed from peach to white. I was able to “touch” Jesus’ human/resurrected hands! I didn’t expect to literally touch Jesus’ hands, but God gave me the grace I asked for in a most unexpected way!
—Mary Pollini
Quick Takes: Where have you found God in the unexpected?
Traffic. —Mary Kilcer
In my new Mahjong friends, they are so patient with me. —Amy Chase
The days when everything went wrong in my life. —Wong William
With my experience of my sister, born unable to walk or talk. —Virginia Blass
Listening to beautiful music, especially cello pieces, can bring tears to my eyes as an experience of God’s love for me, a sinner. —Lori Wells
My call to the diaconate. —Mike Thompson
In the midst of caring for aging parents. —A. Ratynski
Pilgrimage
The Father Kapaun Pilgrimage in Pilsen, KS, also known as the Kansas Camino, was a truly life-changing experience for me. Over four days and 62 miles, I was challenged physically, mentally, and spiritually. I learned a lot about perseverance, gratitude, and the importance of slowing down and being present. Some of the most meaningful parts of the journey were the conversations with fellow pilgrims, the quiet moments of reflection, outdoor Mass, and even the simple acts of kindness shared along the way. Roadside confessions were amazingly touching.
Father Kapaun was a Catholic priest and U.S. Army chaplain who served soldiers during World War II and the Korean War. After being captured in Korea, he continued to care for and encourage fellow prisoners despite suffering himself. His faith, courage, and selfless service continue to inspire people today.
—Dustin Young
Motor Accident
As a driver, I am normally annoyed by undisciplined motorcycles. While crossing an intersection on my way home, I had a collision with a motorcycle. The rider’s shoulder was hurt. I chose to respond with compassion rather than anger. This incident gave a face to riders and changed my perspective and engagement to respond with more patience when I drive.
—Edward
Broken Host
A few years ago, our son was very ill, and basically our relationship had totally broken down. We were broken. One day when I was receiving the Eucharist, the host actually broke in the priest’s hands as he gave it to me. In that moment, I knew Jesus was saying to me that he was in my brokenness with me. It was just amazing the way the host broke. That moment I knew Jesus was journeying with me. I felt relief that all would be well.
—Reader T.
Footsteps of St. Ignatius
After completing the Ignatian Exercises, I had the unexpected grace to travel to the Sanctuary of Loyola in Spain. I found God while driving to St. Ignatius’ birthplace, with the peaceful surroundings and the mountains leading up to a beautiful pilgrimage on earth. The invitation to grow deeper and closer to God while following the footsteps of St. Ignatius was sublime and mystical, while everything I read in the books became a revelation and reality.
—Clarissa Cervantes
Neighbor’s Tree
Every morning my day begins before dawn in my prayer room, facing the neighbor’s oak tree across the street through the north-facing window. It’s so dense and dark in the winter that sunrise is a monumental event. On a late December morning, God tapped the windowpane for my attention.
Who knew a naked tree could be so beautiful?
Stripped of its leaves
Dry and sere
A child’s deflated orange balloon caught in its upper branches
A cluster of dead leaves still clinging to one thin twig
Skinny, misshapen branches and suckers tangled together
What a mess!
Who knew that early winter gilded just-after-dawn sunlight
Would wrap it in brilliance
Red-gold brilliance blackly outlined with shadows
A blaze of glory
Holy dignity
Too beautiful for human sight yet placed just so for me.
God knew.
—Ann Cronin
We conclude 31 Days with St. Ignatius with Four Ignatian Tools to Rely On Whenever I Am Lost by Gretchen Crowder. When or where have you encountered God this month? Share with #31DayswithIgnatius on social media.