Dear Christ Church,
Hard to recall a more gorgeous fall day than the one we had in Old Town, Virginia, yesterday. I got to do all my favorite things I save for Saturday morning -- long walk along the Potomac River, farmer's market on King Street, petting the frisky dogs, and sipping cider at Grape & Bean on Royal Street hoping a table opens up outside.
And on the first Saturday of the month, every month, I make a short two-block pilgrimage to Christ Church to walk the labyrinth. Thank you for making this available to the community. The candles are always lit. Incense burning. Chamber music on low. The coffee pot full if anyone needs a refresher. Yesterday I had the whole place to myself. Silence and all. I needed it. I needed to slow down.
I've been walking labyrinths for years and yesterday was probably the first time that I wasn't able to form an intention for my walk. All that kept coming to mind was "help." So I went with it. Barefoot, with my hands behind my back on the way in and in front on the way out.
This was the first sanctuary I found when I move to Old Town 5 years ago. Spiritually, it was my home. Now I have joined a different church and have made many friends, but I still come on the first Saturday of the month. The quiet reflection anchors me. It brings me home and reminds me that I am never alone.
Love,
Gwen
