part three epiphany

part 3

some of the bitterness and hurt from the past 

felt lighter as if i had knelt down 

before the unexpected presence of GOD 

and encountered the very love and justice 

the ancient prophets had spoken

as if i had the opportunity 

to take in my arms the very presence of GOD. 

it was an epiphany and it left me marveling 

at the mystery and wonder of GOD.  

it’s not what i expected. 

i’ve grown accustomed to the idea 

that we bring our gifts and offer them 

without much expectation that GOD 

will do much more than offer 

a little encouragement and 

send us on our way refreshed 

so that we can do more with our gifts. 

i didn’t expect GOD 

to break open my story, our story. 

i didn’t expect the long time 

hurt in my life to heal.  

i didn’t expect the 

ability to see and encounter 

other people in such different ways. 

i didn’t expect how easy it has become

to lay down long time convictions and 

opinions. 

and yet, this is the epiphany event:

our invitation to kneel down 

with humility and gratitude 

and go home another way.