Epiphany & The New Year
We’re heading “one foot in front of the other” into the New Year. There’s no other way to do it. Resolutions are not something that I put a whole lot of time and effort into, because I seem to let them fall away pretty rapidly. So instead I like to focus on what I can do for certain– and this year, I’m focusing on completing what I’ve started. For some reason, my brain seems to think, “all or nothing” is the way things have to be. But I’m giving myself a little bit of understanding, and a big reminder, that sometimes big goals, or any goal really, starts with small steps. I can focus on one small task a day toward my end goals. That is definitely doable.
With regards to faith-things, (because that it a huge part of what I share here and also I’m a bit in love with Jesus so it’s unavoidable!), I can do small things with great love. We’re actually instructed in scripture to put love into our work. Love for the person/recipient, and/or love for God. Can do. Small acts to further ourselves towards our goals. Love is active and a movement of ourselves and our will towards the betterment of the other. Reminding myself that the tasks that I have to do for family that may make me tired and seem repetitive, can be small acts of love when done with an attitude of gentleness and care. Love sacrifices! So, when it comes down to it, maybe what I’m trying to say is that I’d like to do a better job of loving this coming year.
The second thing that I wanted to share about was Epiphany. This is another reason why I love my faith so much– there is so much to celebrate. Epiphany came, and we acknowledge that Jesus was born for ALL, not just for a few chosen. The Magi represent that in a way, as that they were kings from their own countries– non-Jewish people. It’s a beautiful reminder to me that he made us ALL in his image and that He loves us all.
There are particular cultures that celebrate this holiday with more enthusiasm than others. I admire that in other cultures. But the other wonderful thing about Catholicism is that it means “universal”. Thus these celebrations can become my own. There are several traditions, like having a Kings Cake, and chalking doorways that are becoming more well known with access to the internet and
As my children were little, they enjoyed the fun of the celebrations and traditions, and as they grow and mature they become more symbolic of what it is we’re trying to commemorate. Just as it should be. Traditions help to draw us in! I hope that as time goes by, I can think of more beautiful ways to celebrate the feast days and holidays. The focus on something greater than us helps us to be selfless and more charitable to those around us. We come together to recognize something great is happening in our lives and it’s worth “going all out” with thoughtfulness and consideration.
Cheers!
