Many of you are probably familiar with the use of labyrinths in Christian tradition as a tool for meditation and spiritual insight. This past week, as I was drawing one to decorate with so-called 'zen doodles' I had an "aha" moment: Although labyrinths are walked linearly, they are created wholistically. If walking a labyrinth is symbolic of our spiritual pilgrimage, perhaps drawing one is symbolic of a "God's-eye view" of that journey.
We are limited by our understandings and experiences of space and time; God is not. I'm reminded of N.T. Wright's (who is not my favourite author by any means) lovely description of the incarnation as where God's space intersects with our space; where God's time intersects human time.
I decided I needed to head over to Trinity Anglican Church in Cambridge and walk their outdoor labyrinth. Reaching the centre, I was struck by how oddly spacious it seemed to be.
This time I was reminded of the psalmists words '[God] reached down from on high and took hold of me ... [God] brought me out into a spacious place" (Psalm 18). Also incarnational, I think.
And when you get back to your car and find a parking ticket on the windshield? Well, you say a bad word of course, and get on with your day. If you know anything incarnational about that, let me know.
After Advent can you continue with Epiphany reflections because I am really enjoying taking time to sit and ponder your thoughts. Alas, I have no wise words on the ticket incident :)
ReplyDeleteHi Lynn, I've been disconnected from your blog for a bit but for some reason you have been in my thoughts a lot this past week. Hoping the season had been good for you. So good to read your thoughts. Thank you! Blessings to the clan!
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