He (Apollos) began to speak boldly in the synagogue; but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way (of God) more accurately. Acts 18:26
Zack has been complaining about going to karate class lately. He’s only a few belts away from black belt, and desperately wants to achieve that. But he’s in that lazy and arrogant pre-teen phase where he thinks he should know it all by now, and shouldn’t have to work at it.
I don’t know much about karate, but I do know that unless he takes more classes, Zack will never know enough to earn that black belt. Passion just isn’t enough. Even his eighth degree black belt teacher continues to practice and learn more.
I want to build a labyrinth prayer path at my church. I walked my first one about six years ago at Rolling Ridge Retreat Center. It changed my life. Other than reading my Bible, I’ve never found a tool that has so connected me to God.
Labyrinth at Cedar Hill Retreat Center
As you walk the circular path in towards the center of a labyrinth, you review with God all that is going on in your life. You don’t avoid any problems; instead, you look at them head on, facing all the difficult and uncomfortable aspects of them. When you reach the middle, you stay there as long as it takes to give those problems over to God.
When those problems are off of your shoulders and onto God’s, you begin the walk out of the labyrinth. You end up retracing the same exact path out, but you do so with renewed hope, a stronger faith, and a deep sense of peace. I believe a prayer labyrinth is a concrete example of how our faith and prayer life should be: sharing everything with God, affirming that He is the one in charge, and then receiving the joy and peace that that knowledge brings.
Once my pastor agreed to the project, my passion kicked in full throttle. Apollos had passion too. He is described in Acts 18 as “an eloquent speaker” and “an authority on the scriptures.” It even says, “He had been instructed in the Way of the Lord, and with ardent spirit, spoke and taught accurately about Jesus.” Yet a few lines later, we see that Priscilla and Aquila still needed to take him aside and teach him more. His passion, and all that he knew, still weren’t enough.
Labyrinth at Rolling Ridge
I am only a few steps into my project and it is already clear as a bell to me that my passion, and what I know about labyrinths, aren’t enough either. But the amazing thing about God is, He doesn’t call the equipped; He equips the called.
Unsolicited, several people have stepped forward and solved my problems before I even knew the obstacles were there. A woman named Maureen found men with trucks to clear the land where the labyrinth will be built. She also found someone to build a reflection bench to add to the project. Another woman, Stephanie, volunteered her teen daughter to babysit to free up the moms in my network so they can help lay the stones. The executive director at Rolling Ridge Retreat Center forwarded me step-by-step instructions on how to build a labyrinth without my even asking. The list goes on.
It is humbling to learn that passion just isn’t enough. It wasn’t for Apollos; it isn’t for Zack; and it certainly isn’t for me. However, God is enough. When things align with His will, He sends us whatever we need.
He sent Priscilla and Aquila to help Apollos achieve his goal. My husband and I continue to drag Zack to karate class so he will achieve his. Angels in all shapes and sizes have stepped forward to help me. I believe they will continue to do so until the prayer path is complete to lead more people to God.
For those of you further away who may still be interested in using a labyrinth prayer path, this table labyrinth is a wonderful alternative.
Questions For Reflection:
* Is there a project I’m working on where passion just isn’t enough?
* Can I call upon God to bring me the help I need to achieve my goal?
* This post contains Amazon affiliate links.
Shifting My Perspective 
I LOVE this idea Claire! I’m in! Once again, you bless our community with you amazing gifts. Thank you.
LikeLike
I’m SO excited you want to join us on building the labyrinth, Laura! Thank you!!!
LikeLike