A-Mazing Grace

 The Way of the Labyrinth 

Beyond Church based at St. Luke's Church, Brighton, became host to alternative worship group Grace from Ealing; their cloth labyrinth laid out in the centre of the church space. I'd been on several previous labyrinth walks before, but each one is different, being a tool to reflect one's walk in life, or walk with God, at that current time. It was helpful to have some history and background information on display, too. 

Holy Ground

Before entering, we take off our shoes, not just to protect the material, but to remind ourselves, as Moses had to be reminded, that when in the presence of the Lord God, we stand on Holy Ground. (Exodus ch.3) 

It's advised to pause before taking the first step; to formulate a question, or bring to mind an issue one is struggling to understand or bear. Everyone has a different pace; we were told it was OK to 'overtake' a fellow traveller. 

My natural pace is FAST - but I wanted to walk at a pace that suited reflective contemplation. All the while, I was wondering: How do I get through my situation in Life? 

I AM the Way

I asked, thinking there was no way to comfortably survive my life at present, but God spoke! Eliciting my surprised: but, of course! 

Jesus answered, “I am the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me. [John14:6]

How do I get through this? I AM the Way! And the aim: to come to the Father; relationship with Him. It made sense, and brought some comfort. Though the way may be circuitous, with many seeming reversals, it's all progress. As I walked, I thought of Christ's own walk on the Via Dolorosa.

Centred

To be centred, is to be anchored;  grounded, aware of our thoughts and feelings; in a balanced state. The centre of a labyrinth is a place of rest. We need carry our burdens no longer; we lay down them down, and leave them there. When ready, we begin the journey back out into the world; emerging with a lighter, freer step.

Outwards

I'm grateful for the inspiration GRACE brought to us; for sharing an ancient contemplative resource, and their other thought-provoking 'meditation stations' positioned around the edge of the labyrinth. They enabled us to look within and connect with God there, and to gain greater awareness of how we connect, or not, with others on the other side of the globe; but that's another post....

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