Why be transfigured/transformed?

This second weekend of Lent brought the familiar gospel story of Jesus going up the mountain with three of his disciples for a spiritual "event,"  the transfiguration. The disciples are overwhelmed with the joy of the experience, so overwhelmed in fact that they wanted to stay, suggested erecting tents,  staying in the moment, savoring the experience. 

I think we've all been there. And you do want it to go on forever. But as the gospel goes on to say, as does the poet Jan Richardson, these moments are for "coming back down."  

Dazzling

Believe me, I know
how tempting it is
to remain inside this blessing,
to linger where everything
is dazzling
and clear.

We could build walls

around this blessing,
put a roof over it.
We could bring in
a table, chairs,
have the most amazing meals.
We could make a home.
We could stay.
 
But this blessing
is built for leaving.
This blessing
is made for coming down
the mountain.
This blessing wants to be in motion,
to travel with you
as you return
to level ground.
 
It will seem strange
how quiet this blessing becomes
when it returns to earth.
It is not shy.
 
It is not afraid.
 
It simply knows
how to bide its time,
to watch and wait,
to discern and pray
 
until the moment comes
when it will reveal
everything it knows,
when it will shine forth
with all it has seen,
when it will dazzle
with the unforgettable light
you have carried all this way.