Epiphany

If you hang around church, you might have heard that today is Epiphany, which falls every year on January 6, twelve days after Christmas.  It is the official end of the Christmas season and also the last chance for me to feel like my "Christmas" letter, which I just finished writing, is still at least a little bit legitimate. 

I follow several blogs written by Jan Richardson, a poet, pastor, and artist.  She shared recently that January 6 is also considered Women's Christmas, an old Irish tradition where women are supposed to rest from all the 'work' of Christmas.  Below is a poem that she wrote for in honor of Women's Christmas, but I find it meaningful to also read in the context of starting the journey of another new year.  As Jan says, "As you enter into the year ahead, may you journey well and walk with wisdom."

The Map You Make Yourself
A Blessing for Women’s Christmas

You have looked
at so many doors
with longing,
wondering if your life
lay on the other side.

For today,
choose the door
that opens
to the inside.

Travel the most ancient way
of all:
the path that leads you
to the center
of your life.

No map
but the one
you make yourself.

No provision
but what you already carry
and the grace that comes
to those who walk
the pilgrim’s way.

Speak this blessing
as you set out
and watch how
your rhythm slows,
the cadence of the road
drawing you into the pace
that is your own.

Eat when hungry.
Rest when tired.
Listen to your dreaming.
Welcome detours
as doors deeper in.

Pray for protection.
Ask for the guidance you need.
Offer gladness
for the gifts that come
and then
let them go.

Do not expect
to return
by the same road.
Home is always
by another way
and you will know it
not by the light
that waits for you

but by the star
that blazes inside you
telling you
where you are
is holy
and you are welcome
here.

You can learn more about Jan Richardson at http://www.janrichardson.com/