I have discovered many gifts from the practice of the Examen, which I learned many years ago. Even now, decades later, when my practice of it is occasional rather than daily—as I learned when first making the Spiritual Exercises—I find myself backing into its fruits, as it were. Specifically, I find that the practice of memory can be an unexpected way to come to an awareness of God’s grace.
A case in point was last month, while enjoying some much-needed leisure time in the early summer following a busy semester. I was with a colleague, talking about the challenges of navigating professional demands while maintaining a priority of family life. The conversation made me reflect on my experience doing the Spiritual Exercises and the way that God had moved me to contemplate my vocation as father and husband, even though going in I had intended the long retreat to be more focused on my professional life. In recollecting that, I shared with my colleague some of what I had learned about balancing fathering, husbanding, and working outside the home, pointing to the way that Sue and I had found ways to “tag team” childcare.
A decade’s worth of difficult nights emerged like a diamond of memory.
Toward the end of our conversation, I made one last observation that bubbled up in my memory. “Those nights staying up with our children taught me how to pray.” I found myself recalling many, many nights of interrupted sleep—years of them—and the many ways in which God had taught me to rest in his presence. “Like a child in its mother’s arms, so is my soul” (cf. Psalm 131:2). A decade’s worth of difficult nights emerged like a diamond of memory: the Lord was transforming these memories into a tranquil gift of presence, and I found myself profoundly grateful.
Today in 31 Days with St. Ignatius, reflect on The Call to Co-Labor with Lisa Kelly. Then share your reactions with #31DayswithIgnatius on social media.