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| Happy New Year! |
My Epiphany
It seems fitting that I would return to Nebraska from Australia on The Epiphany. As I sat my mopey, jet-lagged self down, and I listened to the readings and Derrick's sermon this morning, I had an EPIPHANY of my own. I have heard the story of the Magi every year for my entire life and even fancied myself like the fourth Magi... the uncoordinated, unwise, but well-meaning one, of course. Like the Three Kings, I have spent my whole life seeking Him too while trying to love all and serve all those around me, interpreting the signs as I go. This year the story of the wise men took on a new form to me, I realized, as I transformed my metaphorical faith journey into a pilgrimage to Australia to be with my Cousin Asa and his family as he recovers from a stroke.
This was a trip born out of great love and longing; the star is my cousin Asa. His love and his courage, to overcome what must be darkness at times, inspire me daily. In some ways, maybe the star is also the obsession I have to reconciling all that is family to me. I always felt that this came from my Faith in an indescribably seamless way, but maybe it was some unfinished business I felt I had WITH or had to do FOR my Dad. My Father's love was always a guiding light in my life, and it still is. So I went to Australia on my mission to BRING healing. I left home on Christmas Day, was stuck in the San Francisco Airport for three days, slept in the same clothes, missed Sydney and my cousin Rebecca completely as I cried, prayed and petitioned. My friend Cathy visited me each day, and like a hip and incredibly beautiful muse, helped me to see the LIGHT. I felt much darkness because I had come so far, and sacrificed so much. I couldn't reconcile that I was powerless to overcome the dark obstacles that blocked my journey. Graciously, Cathy lent me her light as she led me back to my own, and eventually I escaped the desert that was for me, the San Francisco International Airport.
When I finally got to Australia, I longed to be the LIGHT and LOVE ambassador to my cousins. Instead I received it at every turn. The warmth and gracious hospitality that I felt in the homes where we stayed lulled me to sleep each night. The support of my loving family back home spurred me to seize each moment I had there, so I basked in the warm and brilliant Australian landscapes. The scrumptious food nourished my soul, and the laughter we shared filled me with absolute JOY and contentment.
This ironic epiphany rushed over me at Church this morning...I brought presents (and my entire heart and soul with me) to Australia, and even though it wasn't gold, frankincense or myrrh, I was given the greatest gift by Asa and my family- I was the one who has been inspired, healed and sent forth to be Christ's light and love in the world again...
You shall see and be radiant. (Isaiah 60:5)
