Everyday Ignatian is a series written by guest contributors, chronicling their daily lives and experiences through the lens of Ignatian spirituality.
At the beginning of “Prince Caspian,” the four Pevensie children return to a Narnia they don’t recognize. Hundreds of years have passed in Narnia since they were last there as kings and queens, and the transformed coastline, overgrown orchard and crumbling walls of Cair Paravel disorient them tremendously. As they search for food and shelter, some pieces of the landscape fall into place, but it is only when they rediscover their royal treasure room that they truly believe — and rejoice — that Aslan has called them back.
In the treasure room, they walk among old objects that remind them of their previous adventures. Their joy overflows as they shout across the room to one another, “— do you remember the dwarf making that for me? — do you remember drinking out of that horn? — do you remember, do you remember?” (26)
“Do you remember?” is a powerful question to consider when we feel disoriented, lost or alone. St. Ignatius recognized the profound link between memory and gratitude. In the Examen, he encourages us to first recall the events of our day and then express gratitude for the ways in which God was present to us in those events. Similarly, in his Suscipe prayer, St. Ignatius offers his memory to God, acknowledging that it is a gift.
“Do you remember?” is a powerful question to consider when we feel disoriented, lost or alone. St. Ignatius recognized the profound link between memory and gratitude.
Remembering moments of grace can spark gratitude for the unique ways God sees, knows and loves us. But in times when gratitude seems like a far reach, it can be hard to conjure these memories out of nothing. Like the Pevensie children, sometimes we need to rely on our five senses to remind us of what is good, true and beautiful in our lives.
In Catholicism, we might call this having a sacramental imagination. Here are a few simple ideas for developing our ability to see and praise God’s hand at work in the sights, smells and sounds we encounter in our everyday lives.
Sights
At the end of each year, I curate our family photos to make Christmas gifts for grandparents, aunts and uncles. Scrolling through 12 months’ worth of goofy faces, fun outings, ordinary moments and special events shows me just how much I have to be grateful for in my family, neighborhood and friends.
Reading old text messages, emails, cards or letters can produce this same effect. I keep a box of special birthday cards, thank you notes and retreat letters in my closet that I take out and read on tough days. I also have one or two friends who have shared so much of themselves with me via text — from funny memes, good recipes and heartfelt prayer requests — that scrolling through their messages always brings a smile to my face. If you are having a hard time experiencing gratitude this season, could you seek out some photos or words that will remind you of a happy time or treasured relationship in your life?
Smells
The first time I cooked with fresh dill, the smell transported me back in time to summer in my late grandmother’s North Carolina kitchen. I had no idea that I associated fresh dill with her, so the memories that surfaced — of sock sliding in her ranch-style house and biking around her neighborhood full of pine trees — were welcome surprises. I found myself suddenly missing her but also feeling grateful for the chance to revisit happy moments from my childhood that I hadn’t thought about for decades.
Smell is a powerful harbinger of memory and therefore gratitude. If you are missing a loved one this season, could you obtain some of their favorite perfume or cologne? Could you switch to their preferred laundry detergent for a load or two? Could you make a meal or drink that you associate with them and toast to the good times that you shared?
Sounds
I recently started re-listening to a band that I loved in high school, and I was overwhelmed with gratitude for the way God has provided for me since I last heard their music. The songs brought back both the excitement and anxiety I felt as a teenager about growing up. At the same time, reflecting on the many ways God has answered my prayers over the last 20 years has been a fruitful and unique way to practice gratitude.
Could you prayerfully consider returning to a song or album that you haven’t listened to for a long time? Could you be open to the way those songs might reveal to you how far you’ve come, and how God has accompanied you along the way, since the last time you listened to them?
Stories
Memories can evoke gratitude on their own, but they can become even more powerful when we share them out loud with others.
At the end of the year, we often have many opportunities to gather with family and friends. While we might look forward to some of these gatherings more than others, we can still use them as a time to share good memories. As you visit with your loved ones, could you ask them to share their favorite book, podcast, movie or meal from the past year? Could you come prepared to share a few of your favorite family stories or remind your friends of some of the best moments you’ve lived together?
Like the Pevensie children returning to Narnia, sometimes the landscape of our own hearts and minds can become unrecognizable. In these moments of desolation, the everyday sights, smells and sounds around us can help us remember, celebrate and believe in God’s love.
