Whether it’s writing or walking, resting or reading, pondering or praying, being on retreat is a time to stay a while. I write this as I stay a while at Mucknell Abbey in Worcestershire, a Benedictine Monastic Community where I am a lay member.
I’ve written about such times of retreat on several occasions and in several places, not least also at Sheldon in Devon. Run by the Society of Mary and Martha, my wife Jane and I were there just a few days ago leading a Quiet Day for people from a group of churches in the county.
Within that day, I was grateful for the times of quiet we planned in. Times to stay a while and, in particular, to walk the labyrinth: a special place within a special place.
As you probably know, a labyrinth is not the same as a maze. In the latter, you can’t see where you’re going (due to hedges or walls) and decisions need to be made in order to get to the middle. A labyrinth has one and only one right path to the centre and you can see the various twists and turns which lie ahead. The centre being the place where, reflecting spiritually, God is staying a while.
Based on the one at Chartres Cathedral, the labyrinth at Sheldon mirrors much of what we experience in life and in faith. (Mazes do also, of course, but let’s stick with a labyrinth…)
Starting at the entrance, the path heads straightaway in the direction of the centre. But then, tantalisingly close, takes a turn. It circles the centre, going nearer then further away. Over and over again. Sometimes so close, God is tangible. Other times, God (or is it us…) feels far away.
Eventually, the centre is reached. Time to stay a while. Time to stop. Time to be held and comforted by the loving presence of God.
And yet, rather like being on retreat, it is but a temporary stopping place.
There comes the time to leave.
The path then takes the same journey back – circling the centre, going nearer and further away. Over and over again. Sometimes God still feels as close. Other times, God (or is it us…) feels far away again.
And then we step out of the labyrinth. Out of the confines of its path. Back in to the world in which we live with all its demands and delights.
No matter how close our encounter with God in spiritual, ‘thin’ places such as a monastery, retreat centre or at other special locations and occasions, in all those times of circling, going nearer and further away, over and over again, we remain held and comforted by the loving presence of God.
God at the centre. God providing a place to stay a while.
You are welcome to join Jane and I at some Quiet Times this Summer – and do get in touch if you would like something for your church or fellowship.
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