Walking the Labyrinth

Wednesday February 22, 2006
I walked my first labyrinth today. It won’t be the last. I am at Minister’s Convocation at Lake Junaluska and they have a turf labyrinth outside the chapel.

I have heard of labyrinths and, while at the lake, I purchased a book on labyrinths. I also did some online study.

You enter the labyrinth on a set of stepping stones. I paused and entered into an experience that was unknown to me. I began by saying the Jesus Prayer as I walked. I had to keep my eyes on the path. They first few turns came quickly, but then I entered into the first of several long arcs. My mind was trying to equate this journey of a few steps with a spiritual journey of a lifetime.

I quickly realized that a labyrinth is much longer than it seems. What is only a few feet in diameter unravels into yards of waking the path. With each step, though, I knew the center was drawing closer. After about 4-5 minutes, I arrived.

The center was in the shape of a three leaf clover. I stood on the stem of the clover and looked at the three leavers. Immediately, my mind said—TRINITY—and I equated one leaf with God, one with Jesus, and one with the Holy Spirit.

What I won’t forget is what I saw in the Jesus leaf—I saw a picture of Christ’s agonized face on the cross—there in the grass. I looked harder and I could still see it. I gazed at it for a while.—thankful for his agony on my behalf. I then looked at each of the other leaves and thought of the attributes I associated with each one: God—Father, creator, law giver: Jesus—savior, companion, friend: Holy Spirit—sustainer, truth giver.

After about a minute, I decided it was time to move from this sacred space and go back to the secular world that was just steps away. As I journeyed outward—my spirit was lifted. I found myself smiling—almost laughing—with each successive step.

I came to the end of the labyrinth. I paused. I made the sign of the cross and I stepped across the stones and back into the world.

My first journey was over and the desire for another was kindled.