Epiphany

January 5, 2019

by Dr. Peg Dispenzieri

The Wise Men from the east have always been such a fascinating part of the Christmas story. Who were they, really? From how far east did they come and why follow a seemingly random star for days (or nights) across the desert, no matter how unusual it looked? To me, the magi represent that part of us that grabs on to an unexpected gift or opportunity, a marvelous surprise, knowing that while there might be risk, God is in charge and it is worth the journey.

One of the homework exercises I do with my university students when we discuss the stages of adult and teacher development is to have them to look back over their professional career as an educator. They reflect on movement from one job to another and the various life issues, such as marriage and children, that have accompanied their journey. Because my students are Catholic school administrators and teachers, they are asked to reflect from a Christian perspective, trying to discern the hand of God in their movement. The students’ reflections are often full of wonder as they look at the big picture and begin to notice how an early job prepared them to excel in a position that became available years later. Or how new prospects appeared just as life seemed stalled or stagnant. Or how the birth of their first child made teaching so much more awe-inspiring.

In my own life, I marvel at how each teaching position prepared me to flow naturally into the next new opportunity. How inspiration appeared just as it was needed or a tough situation drew me into a deeper faith commitment. It has definitely challenged my comfort zone on many occasions, but as I look back over the past several years, I feel blessed in that God has called me to reach for and follow each new and unusual star, promising to lead me and walk with me. It’s a message of hope that calls us to trust in our Creator as He guides us on our journey this Christmas season.

Dr. Peg Dispenzieri served as Superintendent for Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana until her retirement in 2022.