Epiphany

Epiphany - a Christian celebration on January 6th that remembers when the Wise Men first saw Jesus. Another definition of Epiphany is a sudden and profound understanding of something.--YourDictionary

Here it is, January 6, 2016, and we are on our way to Colorado to begin our year of service at Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp.  We're packed, we've said our goodbyes, dined at our favorite Goshen eateries one last time, and have let go of familiar places and spaces. It has been a time of preparation and release; following the star within on this day of Epiphany. 

An excerpt from a blessing in the book, "Circle of Grace," by Jan Richardson:

Where the Map Begins
This is not
any map you know.
Forget longitude.
Forget latitude.
Do not think
of distances
or of plotting
the most direct route.
Astrolabe, sextant, compass:
these will not help you here.


This is the map
that begins with a star.
This is the chart
that starts with fire,
with blazing,
with an ancient light
that has outlasted
generations, empires,
cultures, wars.


You cannot see it all,
cannot divine the way
it will turn and spiral,
cannot perceive how
the road you walk
will lead you finally inside,
through the labyrinth
of your own heart 
and belly
and lungs.


But step out
and you will know
what the wise who traveled this path before you
knew:
the treasure in this map
is buried 
not at journey's end
but at its beginning.
---Jan Richardson

May you also be blessed as you follow your star.