I was thinking about Epiphany on Friday morning, cautiously driving along icy roads, and it hit me. Not any major insight, but another car. It shook me out of my head and into the cold morning air to assess damages and exchange insurance information and quiet frightened children. In a way, this unexpected interruption circumnavigated the dread of my nearing appointment and had me sitting on the side of the road, grateful instead for the health, mobility and grace to continue on my day as planned rather than any imaginable alternative.
And that’s what epiphanies do, don’t they? Momentarily turn our world onto its head just enough that we can see it with clarity for what it really is.
Experiences of Grace
Funny how my ears always perk up a little bit when I hear someone describing an epiphany–an ‘aha moment’–when what had previously been unknown is suddenly obvious, and all it took was a ordinary every day miracle to reveal it. It is not a word (or an occurrence) to be taken lightly. Personally I save this word for the most spectacular of realizations when I can literally feel the scales falling off my own eyes: A street corner encounter, revelation by my own children, an experience of undeniable grace.
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One of my earliest memories of the magi are three candlestick holders that my great aunt Judy made–regal, exotic and mysterious, bearded bearers of gifts for the Christ child in vibrant reds, oranges and golds. I haven’t seen them in ages, but I can conjure them up instantly. They left an impression on me and they still do. These silent three kings/wise men/star-gazers are included in every nativity set, and Christmas celebration I can recall. They are an important reminder to me to continue seeking, even in –especially in what I expect to be ordinary.
Wild Hope Gracious God make me a seeker of far-off things, long-awaited things. Find me steadfastly following, even in the darkness clinging to wild hope for an encounter with you-- unbelievable and brief as it might be. Should I receive such grace, I pray that you find me with heart out poured, strengthened to continue on carrying in a new way your gift of presence with me. Amen.