Editor’s note: Throughout July, we’re hosting 31 Days with St. Ignatius, a month-long celebration of Ignatian spirituality. In addition to the calendar of Ignatian articles found here, posts on dotMagis this month will explore the theme of “Finding God in the Unexpected.”
“Gretchen Crowder!”
Hearing the sound of my full name has always carried mixed feelings for me. Depending on the tone of the voice, feelings of guilt, urgency, or even dread can overpower me in an instant. Like a child back in grade school, I wonder if I did something wrong and the person is calling out to admonish me and issue a swift command for course correction.
But a few weeks ago, I had a different and unexpectedly life-giving experience of hearing my full name called out with joy at just the right moments. With each greeting, I felt the unexpected presence of God showering me with love and inviting me to see things with new eyes.
I spent the weekend in Fairfield, Connecticut, participating in a gathering of directors of the Spiritual Exercises. Initially, I was drawn to the gathering by the simple invitation of my good friend, Elliott, who was on the organizing committee. He always spoke
