A sixteenth century soldier-turned-saint, Ignatius of Loyola, was committed to the idea of finding God in all things – in every sadness and joy, challenge and opportunity, God is at work in our lives.

It’s harder to see that at some times than at others, especially when you’re in the midst of a life-changing situation. But what if you looked back at an experience, however it turned out, and really tried to see where God was at work? Would it have changed anything if you could see that at the time? Does it change how you think about things now?

Julia Corcoran speaks to a series of guests and asks them what they wished they had known before they went through a formative experience – bereavements, career changes, family shake-ups and many more. In finding points of connection with their stories, you might benefit from their reflections on events that transformed them, which might prompt a change in you, too.

Things I Wish I Knew is the podcast from Thinking Faith, the online journal of the Jesuits in Britain. Visit thinkingfaith.org where you’ll find more resources about the themes raised in the podcast, as well as more content to help you think about your faith and, through your faith, about the world around you.