Walking the Labyrinth

Today’s devotion was originally printed in The Upper Room.
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Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life.” (John 14:6)

The stone was damp on my bare feet as I entered the labyrinth. Breeze, moist earth, and birdsong stirred my senses as I walked my prayer in the enclosed garden of the retreat house.
Initially, the circuitous path drew close to the center of the labyrinth, but it quickly veered away into a tangle of loops. I began to wonder if I was ever going to reach the center; but as in life, our paths are rarely straight. The secret, in the labyrinth, is to relax into a slow rhythm, becoming aware of the movements of the Spirit. Suddenly, you’ll find yourself at the center with space to reflect and be still.

The value of walking a labyrinth, like any pilgrimage, is not so much journeying to find God as walking with God in the moment. As I slowly placed one foot in front of the other, I could imagine Jesus patiently walking with me, inviting me to accept his gentle yoke for the journey ahead. What a reassuring message to bring back with me into my everyday life!

None of us knows where our paths are leading, but we can trust Jesus, our Savior and friend, to guide us. He is our way.

- April McIntyre (England, United Kingdom)

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, place your yoke upon us, and help us to walk lightly with you today. Amen.

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