THE LABYRINTH

 

THE LABYRINTH

An ancient maze-like pattern called the labyrinth has been used for centuries by Christians and non-Christians alike as a meditational devise. The most well known labyrinth is found at Chartres Cathedral in France. It is a series of curved pathways; you begin on the outside and walk to the center, then walk back out. As you walk the labyrinth you pray and meditate. Many people have reported that as they have walked the labyrinth they have had visions or received answers to their problems. It is a very interesting practice.

There are many Christian churches that use the labyrinth as a meditational devise. There are evangelical groups that have developed a procedure of walking a labyrinth that is specifically Christ Centered. Some believers are concerned that this practice is syncretistic- that Christians should not use this because of its pagan connections. It is a religious tradition that predates Christianity, and there is the potential for those who practice it to place more emphasis on the walk than on the One to whom they are praying. Whatever you believe about this tradition, one thing that makes  walking a labyrinth so powerful is that it is a strong metaphor for the reality of life as a journey.

Life is not a series of non-sequitors, not a bunch of unrelated happenings.  Once you realize that you are on a journey, life begins to take on new meaning. When you begin to accept that all things have purpose, and that experiences come and go in our lives for a reason, you can learn how to say, “ This too will pass”.

I have learned to ask myself, “What can I learn from this experience?”

I have become more patient with others, knowing that since I am on a journey others must be on journeys as well. Since I am not the author of my journey or the journey of anyone else, I cannot be judgmental about where others are on their journey. Maybe we are on similar journeys but at different points along our way, so instead of being judgmental, maybe I ought to encourage others along the way. Recognizing life as a journey helps me to avoid getting stuck in any particular moment of life. I can enjoy the moment, but I shouldn’t get stuck in the moment. I can hate the moment but I should not let the moment define me forever.

-ALYN E. WALLER

To everything there is a season….

He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also he has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end…

ECONOMY OF MOTION

Even the most mundane tasks should be done with a calm and harmonious spirit that exhibits tranquility, quiet joy, and economy of motion. Meditation should be practiced as an integral part of life, not as an escape from life. Meditation is reflective thinking or contemplation, usually on a specific subject to discern its meaning or significance or a plan of action. Where there is stillness and rest there is one movement of maximum force. “In quietness and trust is your strength.” (Isaiah  33:15)

The work of righteousness will be peace; the service of righteousness will be quiet confidence forever. (Isaiah 32:17)

OUR DWELLING PLACE

My early morning walk this Good Friday brought me in the company of a multitude of pilgrims who walked the stations of the cross, a religious tradition, in this predominantly Catholic country. As a non- catholic Christian  I understand the spiritual significance of this practice as an opportunity for prayer, and meditation following the path of Christ’s passion, reflecting on the suffering and death of our Lord on the cross.

I have been a  practitioner of prayer walking for years, albeit,  on and off, and I felt  I was in good company this morning.    

The thought came to mind, that we are all pilgrims on this earth, traveling, walking, to our dwelling place. But there are others who seem to walk aimlessly not knowing where. As our earthly bodies often take shelter in the dwelling place we call our homes, our inward life, our souls, need to find rest in a dwelling place, far greater than the comfort, joy and peace which our earthly homes could provide. The Lord declares that He has been our dwelling place in all generations(Psalm 90:1).

Maybe some of us are wandering aimlessly,  in the spiritual desert of dryness and hunger. Our souls faint, longing for a place of comfort and rest. And yet  perhaps we  haven’t realized that  all the while God is our dwelling place.  With outstretched  arms He calls “Come home to me and find rest for your soul. “  He is our refuge, our fortress, our high tower.

But some refuse to come. God through the prophet Isaiah said, “All day long I opened my arms to a rebellious people. But they follow their own evil paths and their own crooked schemes.” (Isaiah 65:2)

We pilgrims need  to come home and take residence in Him. He has been our dwelling place.

God only is the creature’s home;

Though rough and straight the road,

Yet nothing else can satisfy

The soul that long’s for God.

God Bless you my friends.