Today might be the day #2—hanging out results

Today might be the day #2—hanging out results

I noticed a big difference between Wednesday People and Tuesday People. Wednesday people had not seen the labyrinth yet and were confounded by the “round thing”. “T” helped me set up. He was kind, even if bemused. Then he walked it. When he returned for his afternoon walk he was avoiding all sense of quiet decorum, since he was now on familiar terms with it. He was boisterous. A friend of his, draped in earrings and ball cap, danced backwards for a while, thinking this labyrinth thing could be just a hoax, and he didn’t want to be made a fool of. After few dozen steps, though, he was calmer. Another turn or two brought him to full-fledged focus on his path. He was amazed.

Amy came by, wondering about this thing on the floor. She’d heard about it, but was a detached observer. After some conversation, she took off her shoes and entered the holly ground. She reported her experience: “I was skeptical at first, but I tried it anyway. Almost as soon as I started everything else was gone. I focused on the path and there were absolutely no thoughts in my mind. Once I had reached the middle, all I felt was relief, and happiness. It was an amazing experience and I would recommend it to everyone. Hey, there is nothing to lose and so much to gain!”

A faculty member was less timid as he entered the sacred space. But he was glad he’d walked. Something was on his mind.

Lori walked and invited passersby to join in. She’s gifted that way. Several took her up on the invitation.

A Tuesday person happened by and questioned me, “Hey, when are you bringing this thing back on Tuesday?” as if it was Tuesday’s turf.

The labyrinth doesn’t belong to Tuesday or Wednesday. It’s just different class schedules. And the impression is that more people are on campus Tuesday/Thursday days. The labyrinth doesn’t belong to a culture—it’s a part of many cultures. It’s a way of meditating while walking. It can help focus and offer relaxation at the same time, and it still transcends cultures—even the Tuesday culture and the Wednesday one. Who knows how this works? Who can explain it?

Jesus is like that, available to all cultures—at least on a good day.

Matthew 9:

2: And just then some people were carrying a paralyzed man lying on a bed. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.” 3Then some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming.” 4But Jesus, perceiving their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts? 5For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Stand up and walk’? 6But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he then said to the paralytic—“Stand up, take your bed and go to your home.” 7And he stood up and went to his home. 8When the crowds saw it, they were filled with awe, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to human beings.