Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Dearest One,

I drove up the mountainous hills to get to Ghost Ranch. Following the map I parked in the parking lot not far from the labyrinth. I found the little path among the scrubby ground and followed directions to the sacred path designed in Chartres, France. A way to the sacred, I wanted to begin my morning there. A walk to the center, home to God, seemed an appropriate and meaningful way to start my day.

Made with stones from the area, I stood first at the opening. I looked into the middle of this divine maze and felt drawn to walk where countless thousands have walked before me. I carried a heavy pack on my back and I was cognizant how much every human carries on our back, our sins, disappointments, hurts, misunderstandings, worries and anxieties, but I was also aware that I carry hopes and dreams, faith built up throughy other experiences, joys and an attitude of peace. Burdens and miracles carried on one back.

As I stepped into the holy space, I found myself again standing in the middle of yet another blessing. Does it ever stop? Each step I took I realized how awesome you are. The thought that came to my mind was the beauty, the exceptional invitation you make to every person to join you at the center. Why would I want you to join me where I am rather than follow your leading to a higher, richer, more beautiful place.

So often, Lord, I want you on my own conditions. I want you to step into my living space and care for my needs where I am. You help and guide me, but I realize in such moments as these that to truly live the spiritual life is to follow not lead, to listen not talk, to love and not expect to be loved even more although that is just the nature of who you are. I love it when you turn the tables on me, making you the point of my destiny instead of expecting you to be the small god I make you out to be going where I want to go.

When I step out of my comfort zone, out of the familiar, out of the known I suddenly find myself in a place where trust can grow, where faith can stretch, where I can become. And somehow through your great mystery, I discover that I can lead others in this journey of trust and faith. And when I come to the great realization that you have used me for your purpose and another is inspired to trust and faith themselves I am blown away, inspired, touched, humbled.

I stood and paused at the final turn of the labyrinth. Tears filled my eyes as I waited patiently, giving time for my heart to well up with more love for you. I sat on the huge stone and chanted, "I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you."

At the center
of the circle
you stood
waiting,
waiting for me.
You called
to me,
like you call
everyone.
Come,
you said,
come,
join me.
And I did.

Love, Andrea