This is what the Lord says:
‘Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where
the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.' Jeremiah 6:16
There is a labyrinth at our church—located down the hill in the woods
next to the church parking lot. Labyrinths
can be found in many different places—indoors and out—and vary in size. There are even small “pocket labyrinths” that
can be held in one’s hand and used for “finger walking.” What is common to all labyrinths is that they
consist of a single path that leads from the outside to an inner core and back
out. Unlike mazes, labyrinths do not get
you lost, do not present “dead ends,” and always return you to the starting
point.
Labyrinths are often used as a spiritual tool and can provide a unique
opportunity for meditation and reflection.
Whether you walk one with your finger or by foot, it is helpful to think
in terms of three stages to your walk: releasing, receiving, and returning. As you walk the path to the center of the
labyrinth, allow yourself to release
all cares and concerns, freeing yourself to receive God’s love and mercy as you linger at the core. By doing this, you can return to the outside of the labyrinth and to your everyday life
with a renewed sense of purpose and calm, knowing that God is walking with you
each step of the way.
Lord, enrich my
daily walk with You by reminding me to stop, release, and receive so that I can
continue on with a new strength and commitment.
In this maze that sometimes is my
life, may I choose follow that singular path that leads to You alone. Amen.
