A letter from the Vicarage – Rev’d Andy Stand

How are we all doing?

An e-mail dropped into my inbox recently describing a family’s different approaches to walking a Labyrinth.

A Labyrinth, as you may well know, is similar to a maze, although there is no danger of getting lost and stuck, as there is only one pathway through the labyrinth. It goes from the outside to the centre, usually by quite a circuitous route, and those walking the labyrinth are invited to do so, mindfully and slowly, I guess, making their way to the centre; spending some time in reflection at the centre before retracing their steps making the journey back out to the edge.

The family concerned consisted of a Father, and his two children: his six year old son and eight year old daughter.

When the son originally spotted the labyrinth and asked to walk it, the Dad, had a vision of a contemplative moment with his children, walking it slowly and mindfully, but as he relates, “Real life, as it tends to do, had other plans!”

The son, though being told over and over again,  that it wasn’t a race, still felt the need to treat it exactly as if it was, and so practically jogged his way to the centre in order to be the first one there.

The daughter being older, knew better. She knew it wasn’t a race, and so ok it steadily and slowly, trying to be mindful; but all the time was distracted by her brother, who was doing it all wrong!

The Dad, tried to embody a spirit of equanimity and focus on his own footsteps and tried to ignore, as much as he was able the approaches his children were taking.

In the end he summarises, that they did eventually make it through the labyrinth: the son rushing, the daughter worrying and himself trying to stay present, but getting distracted at times.

As I read this account, I was struck by its similarities to our approaches to Christmas and the Advent Season.

I wonder will you want to rush headlong through December to get to Christmas Day, barely pausing during this season of preparation, to prepare yourself?

Or will you be distracted by what others are doing, or even what you have left to do, what presents remain to be bought, what preparations for Christmas meals remain to be done, what visits to friends and family need to be made?

I wonder, as we journey towards Christmas, can we set aside some time to remember that we journey with God, to God; and then as we journey into the New Year and away from the season towards the celebrations of Epiphany and Candlemas, remember that God is with us, Emmanuel.

Wishing you all happy Advent, Christmas, New Year and Epiphany seasons,

Andy.