https://youtu.be/9cDyS5hWmHM Nothing to Fear, Audrey Assad "Restless Pilgri
Psalm 23
A psalm of David.
1 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley,[a] I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
I've had an idea, it needs working on, and I'm not sure where it will lead yet! Words guaranteed to fill my friends hearts with fear and dread. I got a new book this month "Britain's Pilgrim Places" Nick Mayhew-Smith & Guy Hayward. Also I am really 'into' my embroidery at the moment and the idea of stitching a labyrinth wouldn't go away. I blame my friend's except they don't know it yet and I don't want to frighten them too much! Basically we are preparing pray stations for the beginning of next month, and some ideas are buzzing around centred on stitching into lament and joy. It is still in the development stage but all will be revealed in the the 'fullness of time' (we hope)!
As always one idea springs another one loose; which got me thinking about some of my learners who had been experiencing mandala colouring and some who had sewed mandala patterns. I have walked labyrinths and had seen some embroidered ones completed on Pinterest, but hadn't considered actually stitching one myself until now. Getting a template for one was a challenge for my dyslexic brain; as I'm not so good at working out geometric thing-a-me-bobs but once I realised it started from the Cross at the centre it started to make sense. How many things start with the Cross then and start to make sense hmmmmm? I also started thinking about the one at Lyvden New Beild, just up the road from here, unfortunately the National Trust property is shut for reconstruction and reconnection and once the project is finished it is going to be an enlightening place to revisit.
Pilgrimage and labyrinths in my mind go together. Journey's with an intention of reaching a sacred destination. With no intention to confuse or misdirect, the labyrinth is intended to guide the searcher into deeper conversation with God. The pilgrimage has a destination in mind, and eventually that destination is home with God in the Kingdom to come.
Walking the Way is the road we are 'walking towards'. Pilgrimages have a notorious habit of leading the pilgrim off on unintentional paths, into distractions, sometimes danger, sometimes unexpected joy and surprise. The labyrinth is planned, we know the route to the heart centre and meeting with God, but we are still open to surprise and unexpected emotion when we embark on this deeper path.
For now I am going to be thinking where this 'unexpected journey' will lead. But there is nothing to fear as we are walking together with Himself, our companion by our sides, and it's going to be an interesting journey indeed!
Psalm 121
A song of ascents.
1 I lift up my eyes to the mountains – where does my help come from? 2 My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
3 He will not let your foot slip – he who watches over you will not slumber; 4 indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The Lord watches over you – the Lord is your shade at your right hand; 6 the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.
7 The Lord will keep you from all harm – he will watch over your life; 8 the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and for evermore.
Britain's Pilgrim Places...............Ariel shots of Lyvden..................Labyrinth, Retreat Centre, Ely
See you in the churchyard at St Peters, Oundle, 9am for Celtic Morning Prayers, bring you chairs and a mobile to follow the service!
Peace be with you friends <><
Caroline :)
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