Epiphanies.
According to Dictionary.com, an epiphany is:
1) a Christian festival, observed on Januray 6th, commemorating the manifestation of Christ to the gentiles in the persons of the Magi, Twelfth-Day;
2) an appearance or manefistation, especially of a diety;
3) a sudden, intuitive perception of or insight into the reality or essential meaning of something, usually initiated by some simple, homely, or commonplace occurrence or experience;
or 4) a literary work or section of a work presenting, usually symbolically, such a moment of revelation and insight.
I know this says epiphanies come from ccommonplace happenings. But, do they only come that way? Sure, some of the best thoughts ever thought have come from simple things….
But do these occurences only have to come from simple things?
Lately, a friend and I have been dicussing this at great lengths. And we both agree: Big ideas can come from big happenings. It’s just a matter of whether or not you’re willing to see them.
The other day, I had to be rushed to the hospital in an ambulance after passing out. HUGE epiphany: I need to take better care of myself.
Two years ago, I had to be rushed to the hospital after breaking my face on a trampoline. HUGE epiphany: Think before you do.
Recently, I was allergy tested and found out I’m allergic to all 48 out of 48 allergens. EPIPHANY: Pay attention to my body, especially when the same cold doesn’t go away for years…
See, these are epiphanies, too. Some people, however, might not be willing to see them in all the rush and excitement of everything going on. They just kind of pass by you, waving and trying to get your attention.
I don’t want to be the one who missed out on an important lesson because I forgot to look. Or listen. Or think.
I dare you all over this summer to find one epiphany, great or small. Maybe it’s that you shouldn’t bug your parents so much for that new video game you want. Maybe it’s that you haven’t been living your life enough. Maybe it’s that you see how much stress is crazing up your life, and that you need to chill more often than you think. Whatever it is, find an epiphany.
Sometimes, you never know what you’ll find…
