A rock and a prayer

Friday of the Second Week of Advent

Be my strong rock, a castle to keep me safe,

for you are my crag and my stronghold;

for the sake of your Name, lead me and guide me.

Psalm 31:3

I hold a small rock in my hand as I stand at the entrance to the winding path. The labyrinth welcomes me, takes me in, encircling me with its promise of calm.

I wend my way toward the center and back out again, always surprised as the path seems to lead me away from its center only to suddenly open its very heart to my wandering steps.

I stand and place my rock and my prayer on the boulder that holds the center. A heartbeat, or ten. Enough to feel strengthened for the journey, not just the return path.