Slowing Down to See: Epiphany Blessings

Illuminated

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened —Ephesians 1:18

The window fills with sky
one half pewter,
laden with drops that splash
the cold concrete

the other half brilliant blue
sunlight pours
sidewalk glimmers

in that midday dazzle
you feel like it could
be the first day of creation
or the last
and you know this moment
will not persist

you know you will forget
later in the drudgery
of evening, but for now

you remember how
rain and sun
conspire to show
you everything you need
to carry on to the end of day.

-Christine Valters Paintner, Dreaming of Stones

Dearest monks, artists, and pilgrims,

The word “epiphany” means sudden revelation or insight. Who of us hasn’t had a moment when everything becomes clear for a moment? When beauty breaks through the ordinary events of our lives? Those moments can feel slippery – like waking from a dream. When we know that something important just shifted inside of us but that shift is also fragile and can easily get lost in the rush of our days.

Our world is starving for new revelation, new insight, new dreams and visions. Really the only way these arrive to us is through a commitment to slow down and to see more deeply. 

The contemplative life is never just for its own sake. When we cultivate ways of being that are slower, more spacious, more attentive, more compassionate, we open up portals into these moments of epiphany. 

I think of this beautiful ancient story of the magi following a star, trusting in their intuitions and the cosmic map ushering them forward. They carry gifts in their arms, knowing that these are on behalf of One who receives them with joy. They make the long journey in the unknowing of night’s embrace. 

We each have treasures we carry. Gifts we were imprinted with at the moment we were breathed into by the Source of all life and all gifts. These treasures are ours to give away freely and generously. We will never discover their purpose by holding them close in our tight grip. We can only unwrap them by sending them out into the world and in this way they multiply. 

As we begin a new calendar year, consider making a commitment to slowing down in the coming months to receive the epiphanies that offer themselves so freely to your open heart and your sacred vision. Dedicate yourself to sharing your treasures with a world so in need of generosity, abundance, and grace. 

If you’d like to mark this sacred moment of the year and join with kindred spirits we have two offerings for Epiphany this week: Contemplative Prayer Service (Simon de Voil and me) and Epiphany Retreat: What Treasures Do You Bring?  (I am co-leading with Mark Burrows again and Simon will be offering the gift of music). These events will both be distinct offerings and would make a beautiful doorway into the year ahead.

With great and growing love,

Christine

Christine Valters Paintner, PhD

Image © Christine Valters Paintner

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