Finding our way in challenging times

Earlier this week, on a beautiful sunny morning, I decided to walk the labyrinth that is the centerpiece of our meditation garden at St. John’s United Church of Christ. Volunteers had recently spruced up the labyrinth with new plantings and fresh mulch, and I could not resist its beckoning call. If you have never walked a labyrinth, it is important to point out that unlike a maze, a labyrinth has no dead ends or places where one must decide which direction to go.

The way in is the way out, and the only decision one must make is to take the first step and enter the labyrinth. From that point forward, one simply follows the path to the center. At the center of our labyrinth is a large, solid rock — big enough to sit upon for a bit and reflect, but not comfortable enough to remain there for long. That is intentional, because rather than being an escape from reality, the labyrinth provides a place to regain perspective so one might return to face whatever reality awaits, with renewed strength and calm.

Now more than ever, strength, calm and perspective are needed to navigate the path before us. We do not know what lies ahead, and although this has always been true, our heightened awareness of our not knowing is sobering indeed. As people of faith, we are reminded of the words of Psalm 119:105 and the assurance that God’s Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path.

We are also reminded of Jesus’ words as he sought to comfort his disciples, even as he prepared to leave them, by sharing the oft quoted words: “I am the way, the truth and the life . . .” (John 14:6) Note: Jesus did not say “I am the answer.” He said, “I am the way,” and there is a decided difference between the two.

The Greek word we translate “way” is hodos, meaning road, or way of life. When Jesus said, “I am the way,” he was encouraging a sense of adventure, an openness to the many ambiguities and doubts that accompany a journey along uncertain paths. In contrast, “I am the answer” suggests a packaged plan or arrangement, a relationship involving little risk, initiative or decision making on the part of the traveler.

Jesus’ words were not intended to exclude, but to reassure those who had already committed their lives to following him. He was promising to point them in the right direction, to walk by their side, and to be for them a lifegiving source of strength and hope, a guide who would help them discern the truth. All they would need to do was trust him.

Labyrinth walkers must trust that once they enter the labyrinth, the way forward will become clear. Rather than stressing over choices, they are invited to pay attention to their surroundings, to listen for God’s voice in the quiet, to sense God’s presence and calming spirit, and to be open to new insights and revelations.

The same is true as we seek to find our way during these disconcerting times. God’s light still shines. God’s Word still provides crucial guidance for the journey. And God, known to many of us in the person of Jesus, is still the way — the one who invites us to trust that just as he was there for his disciples, so he will be there for us, not promising a path with no bumps or ruts or challenging places, but rather promising his presence, wisdom and steadfast love. With God’s help, we will find our way!