EPIPHANAL MOMENTS

This week we in the Christian tradition celebrated the Epiphany. Epiphany is the day traditionally set aside on the liturgical calendar to commemorate the arrival of the Magi to the Christ child. Epiphany itself means “appearance” or “manifestation”. Its meaning is particularly appropriate because the purpose of the “feast” day is to celebrate the revelation of God in human form.

Aside from the religious usage of the word, it is possible for us to have epiphanies in everyday life. They often come to us at unexpected times, walking down the street and some thought—or revelation will make itself known to us. It may be about a relationship, a job, or something completely out of the blue. However, when an epiphany strikes you, it’s undeniable. Epiphanies often confirm some thought or feeling we’ve already had, or reveal something altogether different.

I searched online and couldn’t find that “epiphanal” is actually a real word, so perhaps it is made up, but it seems appropriate to describe these moments of clarity and peace. One definition I found online for epiphany is “a usually sudden manifestation or perception of the essential nature or meaning of something.” Basically, a sudden “ah ha” moment.

Here’s my confession: I had an “epiphanal” moment this afternoon. I was walking down the street and a thought came to me. A year or so ago I purchased some blank journals to use as my prayer journals. Well, to be honest, lately my prayer life has not been as regular or as deep as it should be. So, I have these journals lying around. I was thinking as I was walking back from my afternoon break today how I could put those journals to good use by recording either my daily or weekly goals and then analyzing my progress. Upon further consideration, I was reminded of the scripture passage in Habakkuk which says, essentially, to write down your vision and it will come to pass. That is a powerful piece of advice. I’ve heard it said that writing down your goals makes them far more achievable.

I’m sure that moments of epiphany are all around us every day, if only we are open to them. Just being aware of what is going on around us increases the likelihood that we will notice these moments when they come. These moments serve to provide us with a feeling and confirmation that we are on the right track in life. The circumstance doesn’t matter. It could be about a job, a relationship, a major life decision. Epiphanies hold the power to transform our lives if only we are open. Epiphanies-moments of clarity, revelation, peace and transformation.