When you look at the sky, do you see the clouds or the blue and the light shining through? Of course, on some days, the blue is more difficult to see. You might have to look at the whole sky and not just your usual section of it. Perhaps there’s just a corner of blue or light off in the distance. But it’s there.
Other days, you might only be able to see beyond the clouds at certain times of the day. Early morning is usually a time when the sunlight makes itself seen, even on overcast days. Sometimes you have to work extra hard to see the light by going outside in the dark cold, but the effort is worthwhile.
The breeze at dawn has secrets to tell you.
Don’t go back to sleep.
~ Rumi
Being a light-seeker has its rewards. One who chooses to seek out and see the light can’t help but become ‘light-hearted’ over time. At its essence, is being light-hearted not unlike feeling and thinking like a child? If so, it’s no wonder that laughter and a sense of humour come easy to those who choose to look beyond the shadows.
Einstein said that the biggest decision any of us face in life is whether or not we believe the universe is friendly. I believe it is. Do you?
Life is shaded, through and through
Mostly by man’s point of view.
~ Anonymous
Stunning photos, especially the sunrise. Noticed the Epiphany title and that today is Epiphany on the calendar. Do you know the exact religious reference for Epiphany?
Hi Yousei,
I’ve taken the following information about Epiphany from the Benedictine monks at
http://www.christdesert.org
********
Many countries of the world celebrate the feast of the Epiphany on January 6th. In Matthew’s Gospel, Chapter 2, verse 1-11, we read:
After Jesus had been born at Bethlehem in Judaea during the reign of King Herod, some wise men came to Jerusalem from the east. ‘Where is the infant king of the Jews?’ they asked. We saw his star as it rose and have come to do him homage.’….’At Bethlehem in Judaea’…..they set out. And there in front of them was the star they had seen rising; it went forward and halted over the place where the child was. The sight of the star filled them with delight, and going into the place they saw the child with his mother Mary, and falling to their knees they did him homage. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh….”
In Greek the word “epiphany” means the “manifestation of a divinity.” St. Paul was the first to use it in a Christian sense to indicate the first and final coming of Jesus Christ. In the West this feast is a celebration of the adoration of the Magi as told in Matthew’s Gospel. In the East it is the celebration of Christ’s baptism.
The first celebration of the Epiphany is described by Clement of Alexandria at the beginning of the 3rd century. It is believed that it may have been instituted to counteract the pagan festival of the “Sun God,” which in the Egyptian calendar was celebrated on the winter solstice or January 6th.
The feast originally celebrated Christ’s birth, but after the acceptance of December 25th as the official feast of Christ’s birth, the Roman Calendar’s focus became more centered on the Adoration of the Magi and on Christ’s Baptism.
********
I also like this definition of the word ‘epiphany’ taken from
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/epiphany
“A comprehension or perception of reality by means of a sudden intuitive realization”
Thanks for this information. I mistakenly thought it was connected to Easter. So it is sort of the original Christmas. I like the dictionary definition too. Thanks again for a wonderful post and the intel.
Amy, is it a coincidence that you have written about light on the very same day on which people used to celebrate the ‘Sun God’ 🙂
I cherish two words as the most powerful. One is ‘epiphany’ and the other is ‘serendipity’.
Experiencing either would be really something, wouldn’t it.
swaps, yes, it is a coincidence 🙂 I like those two words too. They’re full of possibility.
Reading your thoughts and looking at your photographs, I’m feeling more friendliness coming at me from the Universe. Thank you.
Pamela, you’re welcome. Nice to know 🙂
Seeking the light to become more light-hearted… wonderful! And I would love to “feel the breeze at dawn” but I would freeze I think… !
Millhill, the breeze at dawn is more like a harsh wind on some days here too, but it’s surprising how balmy it can be at times, even during the winter.
Beautiful, Amy!
“One who chooses to seek out and see the light can’t help but become light-hearted over time.” I love these words, Amy – I always tend to look at the sunny parts of your gorgemous photos first and try to be as light-hearted as I can be.
Thank you – again – for sharing the beauty of your corner of the world.
Always lots for me to think about Amy. Is the Universe friendly ? Maybe ? Not sure ?
Love the Rumi quote.
Dunno about the universe, but Flandrum Hill is a friendly place. You are such a morning person! I often feel the peace and warmth of evening . . . the settling in around the hearth, the sun’s departure with a promise to return . . . Ah well. It’s all good.
Thanks Joan 🙂 and you’re welcome Cindy 🙂
Sybil, we’ll have to discuss that question further over coffee 🙂
Gerry, it is indeed a friendly place and I am certainly a morning person. But the way you describe the evening shows that each time of day has its high points and is wonderful in its own unique way.
You know, as I looked deeply at the photos a kind of different reaction surfaced. Usually my eyes would go naturally toward the light. But your posting reminded me to expand my view to look everywhere, at the dark as well as the light. That there are hidden gifts in every nook and cranny, in every cloud bank and dark storm.
Kathy, there’s so much to see outdoors that we inevitably have to focus on something. Warm colours advance and usually catch our eyes first while cool colours recede regardless of their position on the landscape. You’re so right that every corner offers something of interest… to the interested.
Thanks for reminding me that the Universe is friendly, Flan! 🙂
You’re welcome pepsoid. It is indeed 🙂
🙂 🙂 🙂