Epiphany!!

Today's Epiphany, the Twelfth Day of Christmas!

Happy Epiphany to all!!

If I had something to give, I'd give it to you!!

Today I got up determined to celebrate Epiphany as best I might. I thought I'd go up to St Paul's for noontime Communion as I never go and it is going on there at noon very day...a waste to me so far.

Then I also thought that I'd like some joyfulness, so decided to attend St John's School Chapel service at 8:50 a.m. Cramming the dog into his crate, I went off and took full pleasure in being with all those kids in such a great atmosphere.  I can't say enough what a beautiful service that always is, geared to the children's taste but strictly following the Episcopal canon, which is to my taste.  

Then the boring but needed errands, and a quick dash home to consume one old fashioned donut with a cup of cold coffee from breakfast...then, doubly offended dog to cage (let's not mince words now) and a quick zoom up to Fifth Avenue. What a surprise to find it so completely crammed with cars everywhere, not a parking place to be had. Could it be that Epiphany has gained a popularity I don't know of? 

Found a lucky parking place a half block away by the Mexican restaurant, and scurried up to be met by a great wave of beautiful and well-dressed people coming out of a funeral. I stood in the doorway with ushers and greeters, feeling like the Queen in an assembly line, nodding and smiling to the mourners as they passed.  I had known the man who died, but was not a close friend of the family although I taught one of the girls in Sunday School long ago.But I greeted a number of people I haven't seen in a long time, and escorted some strangers toward the restroom and the elevator, and returned to find the church empty and quiet, waiting for the noontime Communion Service.

I did not know the priest who conducted the service. He chose good prayers, preached a good sermon or homily (I do not know the difference) and chose the Liturgy set D which I have never heard before. It is absolutely beautiful and we should use it more often. There were seven of us including the priest and I was the only person of the female persuasion.

One of my FB friends who was present said, "Now you can't say I didnt call you by name!"  And I said, "Did you? No, you didnt!" and he reminded me that he had indeed called me Linda when we passed the Peace.  Oh dear! Now that's something to put away in my think about it box...Maybe people have been saying my name all the time and I just wasn't listening....Oh dear. A new idea.  Is that my epiphany for today? I don't think so...but something to think on.

Then the rush for home as we  left the church under a suddenly darkening sky, trying to beat the storm and take Foxy to the Marina avant le deluge which I just managed to do.  We had a good pull up and down the Marina with and against a strong wind, with the drops just starting to fall on my $40 haircut and comb (that's how to make it rain, my friends, get your hair done) as we hurried to the car.

So, my leftovers from Sunday's Chinese dinner are warming up on the stove as I write, and I'll say farewell till next time. It was a good Epiphany.  No fancy party, no Rosca de Reyes (I could make one but a donut will have to do), no favors...and maybe when I sleep tonight there'll be an epiphany in my dream as has been known to occur. It could happen!