Technically, Friday the 6th of January was Epiphany, the Christian celebration of the Magi's journey to the child Jesus, replete with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The Church, always willing to be somewhat flexible, and understanding that we no longer live in a Catholic society, has moved the actual religious observance to today. That is, this is really the 12th day of Christmas, even if our calendars suggest it should be the 14th.
That's OK. We've gone ahead and spent the extra days with a little more feasting, a little more fun, and a whole lot of reflection on our lives. We wish and pray for all who visit this blog, and the the overwhelming majority of humanity that has no idea this blog even exists, that this feast of revelation, when pagan astrologers found what so many had missed, is a year in which we will find that heart's desire. That in looking for what ultimately matters - our reason for being - we will all come a little closer to the goal, if not actually find it.
It's somewhat fitting that I had a dream that my Dad was in the kitchen. Real life stuff. Even in the dream, I shook my head and tried to convince myself it was only a dream. And then for one brief, albeit wonderful, moment, I became convinced that he was really there. There he was in that old dark gray jacket, wearing the gloves he refused to part with toward the end of his life, and looking at me. I ran around the bar and gave him a big hug, just before the dream faded and against my wishes, I began to wake up. But I felt the hug, and it was a bittersweet feeling, but one I'm glad I had. For it will be the first year without Dad around, and I miss him something awful. I hope he felt the hug, because I did. And I hope my prayers for him are as effective as his for me, and that together we help the family through the storms and stress of the coming months.
It was a bittersweet time for Mary. A sword would pierce her heart. Great things were going to happen with her boy, but it wouldn't be easy. It never is. So may God help all of us through the trials of the future, as we seek that meaning we've been placed here to find. God bless all.
Touching story about your dream. Reminded me of a dream I had almost exactly 1 year after my father died. That's almost 30 years ago ( I have a few years on you ) but I remember that dream so well. Had a conversation with my father that actually addressed a situation I was going through at work at the time. Strange and yet real. As the dream faded he told me to visit my grandfather (his dad) right away. That weekend I drove across Texas and found my grandfather just returning from his Dr who told him he had terminal cancer. Bitterrsweet? Yes.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing. That's what makes this blog worthwhile, hearing stories like yours.
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