An Invitation to Sit by the Fire

Last month my husband and I walked through a season of hard “adulting''. Multiple things broke in our home reaching deep into our pocketbooks. And although our marriage is solid, we felt out of sync. Even parenting our 3 blessings was a drag.

Naturally, I carried these burdens with me to work. One particular afternoon, as I worked with my dear client Sally - whose goal is to grow stronger for the climbing season - I shared with her that my life doesn’t seem fun right now. Her face lit up as she listened intently.

She shared wisdom she had gleaned from her Bible study that very morning. She encouraged me to read:

Ephesians 3:14-19 …prayers for believers, to know His love.

Philippians 4:6… how to lay down anxiety.

1 Timothy 2:1… a reminder to pray for all.

Sally was my last client of the day and having a two hour margin before picking the kids up from school, I quickly ran home to bundle up and grab our sweet boxer rescue Bella. Together, we drove to one of my favorite places: the Prayer Labyrinth. Carefully laid stones, forming a maze of sorts in an unassuming field, nestled among inviting pine trees, resides only a few short miles from my home.

Bella had no interest in traversing the small curvy pathway to the center of the circle. She was enjoying jumping and running and generally frolicking through the nearby weeds.

But I set out with intention.

I begin my labyrinth journey with a heavy heart. A printed handout gently explains that your time within the labyrinth may follow 3 consecutive parts. First, you begin by RELEASING your anxieties, concerns, and burdens unto God.

I paced ever so slowly between the stones.

While following the curves, weaving my feet back and forth towards the center of the circle, I poured out my heavy-ladened heart to God.

“I don’t know what’s wrong God? Life is hard right now. Things feel off. I need You…”

Approaching the center, a prominent rock seemed to be awaiting my arrival. Taking the rock’s kind offer to sit, I embarked on the 2nd phase of the prayer labyrinth journey: RECEIVE.

I sat in silence.

My initial thought was a particular Scripture verse that had been dancing around in my mind these past few weeks. Each time the verse would make an appearance, I had brushed it aside to focus on normal distractions and various tasks of life. This time, however, the verse captured me. It held my attention.

I chose to embrace its wise encouragement.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

I closed my eyes to meditate on the words.

Searching the caverns of my imagination, I discovered a hand reaching out to me, an invitation into a deeper rest.

In a flash, I opened my eyes to survey my surroundings, anxiously ensuring that my beloved boxer was still nearby. As I explored the lay of the land, I spied a thick wooded area behind me. Instantly, the thought of Tolkien’s friendly Hobbits conducting their simple lives in the lovely Shire came to me. Any minute I was expecting Frodo, Sam, Bilbo or Pippin to come strolling around the corner, puffing on a pipe or whistling an old elvish tune.

Re-centering my thoughts back to the rock in which I perched, I returned to receiving all that God had for me in this moment.

I asked, “Lord, are you inviting me into something here?”

My thoughts drifted back towards this deeper rest He was offering me.

As my eyelids descended, I imagined a Hobbit’s home waiting for me back in the thicket. In my imagination, I meandered curiously closer to the small mound and noticed the round door open.

With tenacity, I entered.

Inside, a fire blazed deliciously in the hearth, preceded by 2 high-backed wing chairs facing each other. I promptly plopped into one of the welcoming seats, soaking up and enjoying the warm embrace of flickering flames. Across from me sat Jesus, and a glorious aromatic tea pot. We sat in silence. I felt my body physically warm, but simultaneously became aware of my callous, anxious, overwhelmed heart.

I nestled into my chosen chair feeling the rest I so desperately needed fall over me, like a thick hand- stitched quilt - well worn with both time and love. Comforted in His presence.

Yet the delightful spell was broken when my boxer Bella trotted closer, transporting me into a different reality. I sensed it was time to leave the cozy home. Time to physically move from the center of the labyrinth. Though not entirely.

I stood up refreshed, ready for the journey of returning.

In the last phase of the labyrinth, you REFLECT on how God met your need and RETURN with a thankful heart.

I thanked God and praised Him as I wound and wove my way out of the circle.

My heart was lighter now, my steps bounced with renewed energy. I thanked Him for my life, for the many blessings He has given and entrusted me with…for my family.

By now, my boxer Bella’s heart was also settled as she followed right behind me, in step the entire way.

Isn’t that how God wants us to live? In step with Him. Not ignoring His whispers, His dancing invitations to… “Come. Come be with me. Come sit with Me in your imagination. Let My love encircle you. Let My presence carry your burdens away and wrap you with peace. Let our time together refresh you for all the challenges life holds. It takes incredible energy to live and walk on earth. I know. I know. Let Me shoulder the weight of it. Let Me settle your anxious thoughts. Let us walk in step together. Remember My love.”

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” KJV (Closer to Hobbit version)

My friends, no matter what challenges you face today, you have a Friend who is kinder than Frodo, wiser than Gandalf, cozier then any Hobbit hovel. He is ever ready at the center of your mind and heart to meet with you without condemnation. Only with love. Ready to pour into you His life-giving words, filling you with His very presence, reminding you of who He is - “the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” John 14:6

I pray that when the worries of the world spin us in circles not easily escaped, that we come to the Rock of our salvation. To hide in the cleft of the One who offers safety and peace.

Life is a labyrinth. We go day by day, step by step, choice by choice, weaving and dodging and learning. But there is always a centering. He is solid and firm, trustworthy in times of trouble.

We need only COME.