Epiphany

It's not that I haven't been getting more and more comfortable with the Christian calendar, as opposed to any other number of ways to mark time, over the past several years.  I have.  And I love this.  But I have to say that I am relieved that on this day of Epiphany we enter into ordinary time, because it can be exhausting to always be celebrating something special.  I wrote, just recently, that I was ready for something ordinary.  I am.

However, I do have a couple of thoughts regarding Epiphany, today.

First, I am still learning how to celebrate.  We did chalk the door last night.  We even blessed each member of our family with frankincense and myrrh.  The kids were a little disappointed that we didn't have any gold.  I am wearing gold, today, although that was something of an accident.  Since it's a feast day, and since someone suggested that Eastern food was appropriate, I did not argue when a friend recommended that we eat lunch at a Chinese restaurant.  OK, let's be real.  I never argue when this is the case, but at least it seemed suitable.  It's OK if the learning curve is steep.

Second, the lectionary readings and daily office readings continue to point to the same thing.  Psalm 46:7a, "The Lord Almighty is with us" (NIV).  I know the lectionary wasn't written for me, but I think it's pretty obvious that I need this reminder on a daily basis. 

And so, here I am, starting out my Soul Care Days, just being glad that God uses ordinary moments, ordinary people, and ordinary time to come close.

L.