Gift of Knowledge

“Knowledge is a gift,” writes Esther Lightcap Meek (A Little Manual for Knowing, 8).

She continues, “Epiphany comes as a surprising encounter equal parts knowing and being known. It could never have been achieved in a systematic or linear fashion. It transforms knower and known. Deep insight hints of exciting future prospects, confirming that we have made contact with reality. Pilgrimage modulates into an ongoing dance of communion. Reality proves to bee deeply dynamic and welcomes us in. Knowing ushers in shalom.”

It’s hard to summarize just absolutely wonderful that statement it: Knowledge is surprise; knowledge is mutual, a form of communion; knowledge is transformative, and promises future transformation; knowledge is eschatological.

None of this leads to subjectivism: Knowledge is knowledge of reality precisely in being a surprising, mutual communion promising future, deeper communion.

And if knowledge is gift, knowing requires gratitude. Those who do not give thanks find their hearts darkened.