1. On Epiphany this year, which was this past Sunday, I realized for the first time that when I say “I’ve had an epiphany” it comes from the event of the Magi finding Jesus by the light of a star. I had never made that connection–and it’s something I say semi-regularly. Usually sarcastically, because let’s face it, my “epiphanies” aren’t always such a big deal. (Reference this example.)
2. The second epiphany is slightly bigger. More basic and bigger at the same time. I feel that you might even make fun of me for it, because after all, I’ve been publicly pro-life for a long while now. And you would think a publicly pro-life person would “get” this point.
Here goes. My epiphany is this: That people are miracles. There was nothing, and then there is something, or rather, someone. And that someone has a name, a face, walks and talks. I understand all the science and biology behind the creation of people, yes I do, thanks for asking. But the reality is that the science and biology of it all is nonetheless fairly miraculous. And I’m not talking exclusively about cute babies here, either. I’m talking about every single living, breathing person. They are all miracles. How we come to view our own lives as mundane or routine or tiring or boring is a shame–because the very fact that we are alive is something miraculous and presents an exciting opportunity.
I was telling some close friends this last night. They thought this was simultaneously a cool observation–and also that I might be certifiably crazy. The recommendation was that I approach every person I see by telling them, “YOU are a MIRACLE!” Which I won’t be doing, but the thought does make me laugh. (The part of me that likes Will Ferrell feels I might just try it. Unfortunately, the part of me that values being “normal” in the eyes of the world typically wins the day. For example, almost every time I get into a crowded elevator I picture myself turning around, facing the group, and loudly announcing: “I bet you are wondering why I gathered you here today!” I think of this almost every time, but I never actually do it. And that, my friends, is my secret to maintaining employment.
Enough. One day, two epiphanies. Time to settle down into some real work.
by 
Thanks for sharing the epiphany. It came to me one day that giving thanks in all things is sensible because all is a gift. From eyesight to what we see, from ears to what we hear, from simply being to being in the universe and from the ability to make things to appreciating what is made all this is gift. Thanks.
“And that, my friends, is my secret to maintaining employment.”
Sellout. Defeatist. Laugh-suppressing normality-idolizing anti-whimsical sycophantic slave to capitalist convention!!! Leaving poor Will and all us unemployed people to press on alone in movie stardom and/or joblessness against the tyrannical bourgeois marginalization of our principled eccentricity. The nerve …
Joel! Hilarious. I strive every day toward “principled eccentricity.” I will do better. Heck. I may lose my job before you know it!