I love the new year – the official start to a new chapter in time. I relish the opportunity to pause, reflect and refocus.
But the reflection has been challenging over the past few weeks as I face the reality of another year – a fourth year – coming and going without the change we’ve been fighting for, the miracle we’ve been looking for.
It has forced me to ask – is it worth it? The goal-setting, the dreaming, the migrating back to hope. Is it worth the effort when you’re already discouraged and weary?
I am craving clarity, focus, something to hold on to. I wanted my one word, but nothing was coming. Until a story sister mentioned epiphany and another one said sometimes you have to just take hold of what you need, claim it as yours.
Epiphany is a sudden realization – a flash of recognition in which someone or something is seen in a new light. It usually comes after a long struggle or search, wrestling with a problem or concept until the light shines and clarity comes. Originally, this clarity or insight was believed to only come through the divine – a supernatural enlightenment.
And so, with trembling hope, I am declaring 2014 the year of Epiphany, where light pierces the darkest clouds. After the long struggle, I am believing for sudden realizations bringing fresh perspective. I want to see myself in a new light and for the many puzzle pieces I have struggled to make sense of to be basked in a glow of understanding only available through the Divine.
I expect surprise.
I expect awakening.
I expect revelation.
I am choosing to empty the disappointments and open myself wide to drink in the illuminations, to savor the epiphany.
What a beautiful word you have chosen, Adela. Here’s to hoping it brings you illumination!
Hebrews 10 v 35 Here’s hoping your expectations collide with His goodness this year!
Oh, Adela, yes! Claiming your word. I LOVE that. I felt like that’s what I was doing with my word, as well. Saying out loud what I needed, hoped would happen this year.