Labyrinth journey

Today I was reminded of the incredible beauty of this place and how grateful I am to be here. Very simply, early this morning I realised that God was giving me a new fresh day to be alive and grateful. So I was reminded of my Labyrinth experience in March.........

Journal 19 March 2015
Waking early after sleeping poorly, I perused and paid bills and updated some outstanding correspondence. All the while, I felt uneasy and unsettled within...
Outside in the dark emptying bins and checking cleaning needs in St C Lodge. Still unsettled and uneasy....
Decided to sweep and walk the Labyrinth.... 

Sweeping the path... I need to put down the broom and stop this chore so that I can walk this labyrinth. Started carrying all my baggage and concerns on the opening of the inward path. Moving around the path, I spot the overhanging bushes which ask me to stop walking and cut them back. "You can go away and get the cutters now, Heather. It's your choice." No... stay on this journey... that can wait. As I kept slowly walking and consciously focusing my attention on God, I felt all my burdens and worries falling away. It was as intense a feeling as the sensation of all my clothing being stripped off me. As I reached the centre I realised I was unburdened and naked. There was no fear, shame or doubt. Staying in that place I felt God with me, enveloping me with Love. Then God was clothing me with heavenly garments to go back and out again into the world. This whole encounter happened before 6.30am and changed my earlier worried state to a more attentive attitude and a deep awareness of God's Grace and Love.

Easter reflection

Being at the Old Friary is so still and quiet many

mornings that it encourages reflection and

gratitude.

Over Easter we have, of course, been revisiting

the stories of our faith.




Here is a poem from Malcom Guite - a Sonnet for Thomas

“We do not know… how can we know the way?”

Courageous master of the awkward question,

You spoke the words the others dared not say

And cut through their evasion and abstraction.

Oh doubting Thomas, father of my faith,

You put your finger on the nub of things

We cannot love some disembodied wraith,

But flesh and blood must be our king of kings.

Your teaching is to touch, embrace, anoint,

Feel after Him and find Him in the flesh.

Because He loved your awkward counter-point

The Word has heard and granted you your wish.

Oh place my hands with yours, help me divine

The wounded God whose wounds are healing mine.

https://malcolmguite.wordpress.com/blog/