The Labryrinth awaits

On the 4th Saturday of each month, at 4 pm, we schedule a walk.
Given my problems with balance and walking, I was uncertain if I could navigate the path to do the full walk.
      My "intention" as it has been for several walks was to find healing around the loss of my sister.
       Slowly, step by step,  I began the walk. I watched the path, and the edge of it, determined to navagate the pathway.
    Lord, I can't make it all the way to the center.
     Is that your goal?
    No, just one step at a time
     Many paths are cut short before they finish. Does that make them less significant?
     I guess you mean just because Deb was so young, doesn't mean she didn't live to completion.
     Silence.
      Ok, and just because I have balance and walking issues doesn't mean I've failed because I didn't make the goal.
     More silence.
    I stepped to the center, feeling I had cheated because I didn't walk the whole thing.
    Look up, Darlene. See those whispy clouds against the blue sky?
What do they tell you?
       They are beautiful..not like the large fluffy ones.
       So it is with Debbie...and so it is with you, my daughter.
It's not in walking each step, it's the intention of your heart that matters to me. 
       The Labrynith awaits your intention. Draw strength from those who have walked before, and those who share the path with you this day...Some may walk with strength of purpose, and yet,
fail to see the beauty, the wind against your face; the smell of the trees...
     I raised my arms to the heavens.  This, I can do. Thank You Lord.

Full Moon walk on the Labyrinth

November 17th 2013. The chilly night air made me glad I had worn my heavy coat. Darkness was creeping across the sky and the full moon not quite visable. The scene had been set for us...small candles placed at every turn of the Labyrinth path, with a larger candle burning in the center of the rose in the middle. Each person there for a different pilgrimage of heart and soul.
       We were ushered onto the path with a small chime and a prayer from our guide. I expressed my intent of this particular journey...to have understanding of how to embrace and comprehend the health journey of a special loved one. Every day I live with my own fears and conflicts about things I have no control over, but don't seem to be able to let go. Looking for peace.

   It wasn't quite dark as I began my contemplative walk...I followed the lights to know where to turn. There were some places where I couldn't see the path at all, and walked in the shadows. At one point another traveler whispered, "Go straight ahead". Slowly...for darkness makes me hesitant..placing one foot in front of the other. A moment of panic later on the trip to the center...had I changed paths unintentionally?

I looked up and saw a full moon peeking through the trees.  I was aware of music softly playing in the distance. With each step, I intentionally said, I release this to you God...my fear, my love, My unknown future, my tears, my anger, my joy.  I release it by an act of my will. Please fill my heart with peace

At last I was at the center, surrounded by light and others on their journey...and silence. I stood with open hands, lifted up to receive.

I began the journey back...soon I was totally lost of my path, but not hemmed in. There are no walls on a Labyrinth...I stepped to the edge, then out of the pathway. Had I missed it. Was I cheating myself of a completed journey?  No, this is my path for now. There will be other walks, other meditations..and for now, this is where I am.

Learning peace.