Week 2 Advent Labyrinth-- Peace

I had hoped to get to the labyrinth sooner this week. It didn't happen.

I stopped by the Burks UMC labyrinth on my way to Dalton this morning.  

It was 33 degrees Fahrenheit, but I had my coffee with me, so that kept me warm. 😀

I started my journey at the entrance with a few deep breaths. 

I allowed myself to be open as I walked and prayed. So many thoughts covering a myriad of topics.

I came upon a leaf that caught my attention. I picked it up, noticed its frozen state, and put it back on the path.

I remembered my friend and colleague in the recent loss of her Mom. I took a moment to reach out.

I continued my journey and found myself on the last leg of the journey before the center. It had gone much more quickly than I thought.

I decided to sit a while. Those concrete benches are cold! 

As I sat there reflecting on peace, this prayer bubbled up and out: 

"Divine Mystery of deep abiding peace,

Are you so deep that I do not see or feel you? There is much turmoil, conflict,  and simply bizarre happenings all around. There is death, pain, aging, loss. I question your presence,  yet know you are as near as my breath that shows in the cold air. You are nearer than that. You are within me. You are my breath. Come, Holy Spirit, come. Even though the chaos swirls around me, may I know your shalom.
DD 12/11/25"

I knew that peace was within me. I sensed it, even as I sensed chaos. 

I was reminded of Jesus and the disciples in a boat. A strong wind tossed the boat around.  The disciples were anxious. They woke Jesus up and told him their fears. His response to the turmoil: 'Peace, be still." The winds calmed. The disciples calmed. 

It is good for me, for us to remember the deep, abiding presence of peace through the Holy Spirit. 

As I headed back out of the labyrinth, I saw the leaf again from a different angle. The hole inside the leaf almost looked like a heart. 

#SeeAHeartShareAHeart 

Hmmm... interesting how things can look different from a different angle. That was a good reminder to look at things from different perspectives. 

As I neared the beginning, I took some more deep breaths.

I exited the labyrinth and headed to the car. 

Where or how have you felt peace this week?

Where do you need peace this week?

Remember that it is within you, and as near as your breath.

Try a breath prayer, if the chaos is too wild:

Breathe in peace and calm.

Breathe out chaos. 

Breathe in Divine Mystery. 

Breathe out turmoil and stress.

May your Advent adventures be filled with peace. 

Deb