By Penny Hammac of Vancouver, Washington USA
But now that faith has come, we are no longer subject to a disciplinarian, for in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith. As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.
I love walking labyrinths. It is a wonderful way for me to “be still” while moving. When I began walking these meditation paths, I worried about doing it right. Now, I’m more comfortable with just being in the experience.
One of my most memorable experiences occurred during a time of immediate and painful grief at the loss of an important person in my life. My friend and I had planned on walking a labyrinth in Portland together. Now unable to go with her, I went to the labyrinth alone, carrying the sorrow of my great loss.
As I prepared to walk, I watched a woman with a scarf over her head and face walk the labyrinth while holding a rose. My judgmental self thought, “How odd!” But I was soon on my own journey and did not focus on her. I walked the path with an abundance of memories. Some made me smile. Others brought tears.
As I reached the center of the prescribed path, I sat down and wept the deep sorrow of my heart. I cried for the loss of this person whom I would miss in so many ways. At one point I was aware of someone standing over me and realized my friend was there holding me in her love.
When I opened my eyes, prepared to leave the labyrinth for the journey back into my life, I saw that the woman with the scarf had placed her rose at my feet. What a gift of love. I carried it as I walked the outward path. It warmed me with its beauty. It comforted me with its aroma. It reminded me of the grace and love of God still present in my life and the life of my family.
With deep gratitude, I left the rose at the entrance to the labyrinth for another sojourner.
Reflection Question
How do acts of generosity help bring people out of darkness?
Prayer Phrase
“You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity” (2 Corinthians 9:11).
The Open Hands Prayer
Sit with your hands resting on your lap, palms up. Close your eyes. Silently reflect: What have I been tightly holding on to? What is mine to give today? As you inhale, imagine receiving God’s abundant grace. As you exhale, open your hands more fully and say: “Freely I have received, freely I give.” End by asking God to show you one person, act, or place where you can respond with generosity today.
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.