Epiphanies. Unannounced, these singular moments open life with explosive understanding. The funny thing is, these new insights come when we’re just living life, doing ordinary things. They can entice us away from our routine ways, reminding us that there is more is to grasp, if we’re willing to see.

Epiphany 5:  Love

“I love you” can change your life.

I suppose we often remember “firsts” in our lives because they take us to unexplored territory. The first day of school. A first crush. Our first time moving away from home. I remember another first: the first time I heard someone say to me, “I love you.” Grandma Marie had swept me into a snug embrace and whispered those happy words in my ear.

I love you whispered

can change your life

and fill your soul with its

shocking sweetness

Words spoken by Marie

but

just an echo

of God’s voice

This early epiphany of love shaped my soul. I love you—three tiny, brilliant dots on a dark canvas. They grew through yearly visits that included walking in native Illinois woods collecting plants for a terrarium, cooking chicken and dumplings, crocheting, and sharing the joy of playing the piano. My grandma’s love expressed delight in me, care and protection, and assured me that I was wanted.

A second-grade teacher further expanded my heart’s understanding of God’s love. Karen’s interest, joy in me, and encouragement fed my soul. My relationship with her continues to this day, with her uncanny way of knowing me.

Both women serve as lovely prisms that reflect Jesus’ love for me. Is it too familiar to speak of Jesus in this way? I don’t think so. God’s love for people is far more intimate than simply a love for humanity. Jesus explained, “All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them” (John 14:23 NLT). Jesus’ love sits at a table and enjoys a meal and conversation together. It becomes the life-force of our beings through the Holy Spirit. “For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love” (Romans 5:5 NLT).

As the incarnation of God’s Son proved, God is both immeasurable and intensely personal. How open am I to this Trinity of Love? That’s the grand question God has posed to human beings since the Garden of Eden. It’s an invitation to see more, become more, with Him. I’m learning to answer yes to this call of Love.

For Reflection:

• Who in your life is a prism of Jesus’ love for you?
• You are sitting at a table with Jesus, enjoying a meal together. What direction does your conversation take?
• How often do you sense God’s personal, loving interest in you?
• What’s inviting to you about saying, Please, come and make Your home in me? What concerns you about doing that?