At the first verse I am still some what distracted - not quite in a reflecting mood. I notice the effects of winter- tall gray stalks of plants that hide the view and will be replaced by the next generation of tall weeds as the weather warms. The second verse is a simple statement that makes reflection easier. I think about how this space will change in the upcoming months. Flowers will certainly complement the view of the pond and the walk through the meadow that houses much of the trail. Station three is on high ground and the message is one of hope. I feel more connected to God as I stop at this station- my thoughts are more fully engaged in the experience. I see two ducks at the far end of the pond that is now in sight. They are the first ducks I have observed this season. The verse at the point is focused more on personal reflection. How will I respond to God's message of hope?
Turning away from the water, the verses focus on Christ and his impact on our world. I am reminded of the different denominations of churches that have selected these verses. How many people will walk this trail in years to come? What do they believe? What will speak to them?
As come to the verse highlighted at the beginning of the blog the sun is getting warmer and is directly off to my left above the horizon. I can't help but feel that the light represents a greater power than man alone in creation. I resolve that this will be a good day - its Valentines Day after all- a day to celebrate love. On the final verse overlooking the labyrinth a bird sits perched on the station. He doesn't just fly off as I approach seeming mostly unconcerned that we are sharing this space. The prayer labyrinth that lies ahead will not have verses to prompt my thoughts. This trail has been good preparation for this next part of the walk. My labyrinth reflections are for another time.
As I leave the trail, I wonder how different the trail will seem with each time I walk it as it was meant to be used. How will the seasons and my experiences in life change the reflections? As special as this trail was to walk today, I feel I did not give myself enough time to stop and just listen. How much of my reflection was in the form of a prayer? What answers do I hope to hear?
Finally this vision of building a trail has become a reality. It took almost a year for this project to be at the top of our priority list and part of me is not living as much as I would like in the present moment. There always seems to be work to do and projects to develop. I have learned over time that listening is not an activity to be rushed and that answers can come in a variety of different ways . The message may come in a time of quiet reflection, it may come as part of an event or outcome yet to take place. It may even be reflected in a movie.
Last night we watched an independent film about a struggling young poet. She felt she had so much to offer, so much to say. You see her touch and care about the people around her. Finally she has a small work published and to her dismay it is in a book of "Bad Poetry". The word 'bad' in the movie was a bit more graphic. Bad because the editor feels she has not yet lived enough or experienced enough of life's lessons to write better poetry. The editor tells her that the culture we live in today does not appreciate poetry. But as cynical as the editor ( and poet himself ) has become, he shares that she offers something unique in this word as as such her ideas are important. No, not everyone who visits our campground will choose to walk the spiritual trail. Prayer and certainly worship can be in many different forms. The important thing I wanted to share that through my walk in the woods and a movie, I have experienced a bit of answered prayer. May a special part what you do today be worth doing as well.
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