I walked on the labyrinth to get some clarity.
While breathing, walking, and thinking,
I was also on a mission—
looking for the stone Ada gave in memory of John.
Although I was thinking hard and searching hard
Clarity didn’t come to me,
Nor did John’s stone.
Some walks are like that.
As I was about to walkout
accepting that my search was unsuccessful,
a stone in the entrance caught my eyes.
At first, it looked smaller than I imagined.
But when I pulled up the pictures, sure enough, it was John’s stone!
I was so happy and texted Ada with the picture and location.
After the excitement
I decided to walk again
realizing searching hard didn’t make me find the stone.
Rather it was accepting my unsuccessful search
and letting go of my desire to find it.
So the second time I tried to let go of my thoughts and desire for clarity
and let the natural rhythm of walking into mystery take over.
As I reach the center I sat on the rock,
closed my eyes to feel God’s presence.
When I opened my eyes,
all of a sudden, I felt like the stones were looking at me
almost like rows of people sitting in the pews.
(have to admit, I do miss seeing rows of people in the sanctuary)
I felt like I was surrounded by rows of the saints
protecting me and standing up for me
so that nothing can get in the way between me and God.
It wasn’t the kind of clarity I was looking for,
but it couldn’t get any clearer and sharper than that.
Next time I walk,
I will think less and trust more.
