In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to think that knowledge comes only from books, courses, or thorough research. While these are important, there’s a deeper kind of wisdom, a divine wisdom, that is imparted through the moments and experiences of daily life. This is what Jean-Pierre de Caussade refers to as "experimental science" in his writings. He reminds us that the greatest lessons in the spiritual life come not from reading or mere observation but from the personal experiences and sufferings we encounter.
This truth has become clearer to me over the years, especially in the midst of motherhood. I often find myself caught up in the idea that I need to seek out answers, read more, or consult experts to become a better mom or a better Christian. But some of the most profound lessons have come to me not through those means but through life itself—through the unexpected twists, challenges, and even the mundane.
One particular instance stands out vividly. I was feeling overwhelmed by the sheer weight of my responsibilities, from homeschooling my children to managing the household, all while navigating the difficulties of a tight budget. It was a day filled with spilled milk, missed deadlines, and arguments over homework. I found myself sitting on the edge of the bed at the end of the day, exhausted and defeated.
In that moment, I prayed, asking God for clarity and peace. Almost immediately, a realization dawned on me. The chaotic moments of the day weren’t distractions from the spiritual life—they were the spiritual life. Each struggle, each minor frustration was a moment in which God was speaking to me, inviting me to learn patience, humility, and trust. It was as though God was saying, “These moments are meant for you. They are your school of sanctity.”
De Caussade explains that this is the very science that Jesus himself learned. Though He was God, He submitted Himself to the experience of human life, not to increase His divine knowledge, but to grow in the experimental science of living it. If even Christ grew through His experiences, how much more must we?
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This concept resonates deeply with me. The challenges I face—whether small annoyances or significant trials—are not meant to be escaped or avoided. Instead, they are opportunities for growth. It’s easy to think that reading about patience or listening to a sermon on humility will make us virtuous. But it’s in the messy, unpredictable moments of life that we truly learn these virtues.
When I look at my children and the way they navigate their own little struggles—whether it's mastering a new skill or dealing with disappointment—I see the same lesson at work. I could read all the parenting books in the world, but nothing teaches me how to be their mother like the experience of mothering them each day.
God speaks to each of us personally through our lives. It’s easy to be distracted by what’s happening to others or the wisdom we think we should gain from external sources. But the real lesson is in the here and now, in what He is allowing to unfold in our lives.
This is where faith comes alive. Instead of focusing on what God is saying to others or comparing our journey to theirs, we are called to listen attentively to what God is speaking to us through our circumstances. This is how we grow in the "theology of virtue"—not by speculation but by living it.
It can be difficult to recognize divine action in the moment, especially when life feels overwhelming. But as de Caussade teaches, we must listen to the interior language of God, even when it’s hidden behind the veil of daily challenges. This experimental science—the lived experience of faith—leads us to deeper trust in God’s providence and helps us grow in holiness, one moment at a time.
Let’s not shy away from the lessons embedded in our daily life. Let us embrace the reality that the most profound wisdom is not something we acquire intellectually but something we learn through experience. It is in the trials, the surprises, and even the frustrations that God speaks to us, inviting us into a deeper communion with Him.
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