The Labyrinth

Psalm 84:5 New International Version

     Blessed are those whose strength is in you,
     whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.

I attended a work related seminar today. It was about Crisis Communication. What to say and what not to say. I learned to never say my favorite comment - "I have no comment." Alas! We were instructed to be honest, to be real and to HAVE A PLAN.

This seminar was held at St. Francis in the Foothills United Methodist Church. It is a lovely setting, absolutely beautiful, actually. And they have a labyrinth!

The posted time for the seminar was 9:00 a.m. but upon arrival we were told that was incorrect. The actual time was to be 10:00 a.m. So I asked about the labyrinth and was shown to the area.

As I approached the Labyrinth

Approaching the entrance

Walking the pathway

Arriving at the center

Almost there

Placing my stone as an offering and remembrance of the prayers as I walked

Exiting the center

What is the purpose of a labyrinth walk? Here is what I learned -

Life is about transformation, growth, expanding possibilities and discovery. Life is a sacred journey of our continuous vision. Life is about seeing clearly and deeply and learning, facing challenges, stretching your soul and bridging the known and unknown worlds and most of all listening to your intuition. On life's journey we need to individually find our puzzle piece and shape it into a divine tale of power, wisdom, courage, beauty, love and dignity. Our life's journey is a pilgrimage.

We need to go forward and not backward. We are all on a path but - do you know what you are meant to be doing? Do you know where you are meant to be? The path that we are all on is a blueprint of the labyrinth. The labyrinth is an ancient symbol that reveals wholeness as well as combines with the picture of the spirals and circles into a meandering yet purposeful path.

For many decades labyrinths have been used as a meditation and prayer tool and represent a spiritual journey to our center and back into the world again. We can walk the labyrinth as this is a metaphor for our life's journey, and allows us to have a direct experience. By walking the labyrinth you will be able to create a sacred space as well as a place that takes you away from your ego to the essence which is within.

Walking and praying a labyrinth can be healing. Physically, emotionally and of course, spiritually.

While at this event I was able to visit with friends from our old home town church. It was good seeing them and visiting with them. Especially with B. She's the friend who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. She looked radiant! She finished her chemo and then had a round of radiation treatment. No... the radiance is not from the radiation but from her faith and love of Christ.

       

Through this journey, this dear, dear sister of the heart finished her "training" and traveled to Kentucky during the Spring to be consecrated as a Deaconess in the Methodist tradition. She is inspirational and AH-mazing! 

That's all for this installation! May your days be pleasant and blessed.

Wishing you everyday grace,

Tamara

Today's Devotional

TODAY’S VERSE

“If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person? Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.”

I John 3:17-18

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”

John 13:34

TODAY’S THOUGHT

It is harder to “walk our talk” than to “talk our walk.” We can say all we want about how loving we are, but the real proof is in our actions. If God’s love is a motivating force in our life, then helping others is going to be a natural by-product. Christians have lost much of their witness because we have not helped the poor and needy to the best of our ability. Sure our budgets are tight, but then look at what we spend our money on. Expensive cars, homes, furnishings, hobbies, entertainment and food all take their toll on our annual budget. Downsizing will allow us to have discretionary income that we can help others with. We are God’s ambassadors. If we are going to represent Him in this world, then we need to be able to be compassionate toward those that He brings across our path. John says it best, “let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.” Ask God to bring someone across your path today that you can help – either materially or spiritually.

TODAY’S PRAYER

Father, You have blessed me with so much. Help me to be wise with the resources You have given me so I can be compassionate to those whom You bring across my path. Even today Lord, show me someone that I can be compassionate toward. Might there be no doubt that Your love dwells in me. In Jesus’ name I pray ~Amen!

Tamara