Mirth spreads from leaf to leaf, my Darling,
and gladness without measure. The heaven's river
has drowned its banks, and the flood of joy is
abroad.
*Rabindranath Tagore. "Light".
A friend, a social worker working with Veterans, invited me to their art exhibit. She prepared the exhibit, displaying the Veterans' artwork and with delicious foods. Due to work schedule, I was hesitant to accept the invitation; also, I had several markedly stressful days at work, along with pronounced pain in a knee that ached much with each step. I, however, accepted the invitation. I had no idea the impact the art and interaction with the Veterans would have on me. I had gone only to support my friend, but the gift I received was so much more.
I began, after entering the exhibit, moving among the works of art, mostly paintings, stretched adjacent to the wall. What surprised me more than the loveliness of the art was the feeling that arose within me and the tears that sought departure from my eyes. I was mystified: "How is this touching me so deeply? What is the meaning of this?" This same deep, tender sensation surfaced again in speaking with the Veterans. All this seemed as though by entering the room I had been transported to another place ~ in some way, I was.
* * *
In the Christian tradition, we speak of an epiphany. An epiphany is a revelation, appearing, or unveiling of the Sacred. This can happen anywhere and most often comes as total surprise. Grace shows up and greets us with a joyful and awe-inspiring "Hi!". We meet what seems oddly both familiar and unfamiliar, like a beautiful memory we had forgotten for always, we thought, or a beloved friend showing up at our door unexpectedly and that we had not seen in many years.
An epiphany is like an interruption to the routine of life. We are reminded of this Grace that is an undercurrent to all the happenings of life, something that has been with us even in potentially long stretches of time when we felt forsaken by Life and Beauty.
* * *
Breakthroughs of the Holy leave an afterglow. These moments leave an imprint we can return to again and again for encouragement and reminder that what visited us is always present, we are never alone, we are always on Holy ground.
The Sacred in Me Bows to the Sacred in You
*Lotus of the Heart is an interspiritual work of Brian Kenneth Wilcox, Florida USA. Brian is a practicing spiritual contemplative, interspiritual Chaplain, and writer of nonfiction and poetry.
*Move cursor over photos for photographer and photo title.
*Poem by Tagore in Herbert F. Vetter, Ed. The Heart of God.
