The Wisdom of the Magi

Foolish Wisdom
by Heather Grell

A dark night sky
Full of tiny, twinkling lights.
Eyes watching and waiting
Paying attention
Keeping awake.

Who would follow a star?
Who would make that journey
Into the unknown
Trusting only starlight?

Reckless and foolish
History has named them wise.
It was God’s guidance
That tiny glimmer
Led to a miracle.

Epiphany lifts up the story of trusting God’s guidance in the darkness.  Even though they didn’t understand or know exactly what to expect, the magi encountered God’s presence in the darkness.  They saw God’s guidance written in the stars.

In a very different time and place, we are surrounded by noise and bright lights.  How can we create space for ourselves to watch for God’s presence?  How can we make time to notice where God is showing up in the world today?

I believe the answer is found (at least in part) in darkness, quiet, and stillness.  Things that are hard to find these days!  Creating space for ourselves to be still and quiet, to sit in darkness, uncertainty, and curiosity, creates space for us to pay attention to the quiet voice of God.

Take a few moments and just breathe.  As you breathe, recite these words to yourself, “Be still and know that I am God.”  inhale and exhale.  “Be still and know.” inhale and exhale “Be still”  inhale and exhale “Be.”  Keep breathing and pay attention… What do you hear?