"'Holy Faith, All the Way.' 'Lord, it is good to be here.' It will be your holy faith which tells you that wherever 'here' is at this moment in your life is a gift from God since the purpose of each 'here' is to transform us."
Edward Hays, "The Lenten Labyrinth"
I sure needed this as dawn arrives this morning! This "here" right now seems so troubled, so full on uncertainty. The virus, the election, the state of our world right now seems like such a difficult "here," doesn't it? I think it points to a couple of things...first our vulnerability. We humans think we are so powerful and in control, don't we? This "here" is a wake-up call to how fragile we human beings can be. Also, our illusion that we are in control is worth questioning in this uncertain time, isn't it? And what are we to do with this time of difficulty? The labyrinth is such a wonderful tool for dealing with times like these for me! The maze overall looks so complicated and how can I get from here to the center? But, actually, it is very simple. All I really have to do is the very next step...which is right there, next to me. All I can do is the next, quite obvious step. I'll work my way to the center in God's time. I have kids flying all around the world doing scary things right now (Blaine tried flying a helicopter yesterday--yikes!). Believe me, I could so easily freak out (and still probably will!) But, as I read about this tricky "here" happening for so many people, all I can do is look at the very next step on the labyrinth. What can I actually do? I can go work at school to the best of my ability. I seek others and help them as they need. I can pray for all who are going through this collective time of difficulty--my fellow travelers on the labyrinth--some who may be suffering and sick. And I can allow this difficulty to wash over me and transform me. I can learn from this time, gain strength and wisdom from this time. And I can trust that God holds this very uncertain "here" time for all of us. Love, heidi
