Labyrinths have been around for at least 4,000 years and used for various reasons and rituals. The labyrinth at the Church of the Good Shepherd is a prayer path. The sole intention of this structure is to invite people to walk intentionally down its path, focusing on each moment of each step, as a map of a meditative and prayer centered journey. Doing so engages multiple senses of our awareness toward the internal experience of the Great Mystery we call God. The center of the labyrinth is a symbol of that thin space of awareness of the intimate connection of God and humanity, which is as present and near as each beat of our heart. Along the path, the “walls” that outline your journey are made of stones of grey and buff color. Each third stone is buff, the same color as those found at the center. Each major redirection marker is also buff, the color of the center stones. The purpose of using the buff color for these stones is to bring to mind the consistent and indelible presence of God with us on our journey… even when we are distracted and cognitively unaware of that Presence.

The Labyrinth, in and of itself, is not magical or even any more sacred than any other element in Creation. Genesis tells us that when God created various things, God ended the day by saying, “this is good”… so all of Creation is sacred. However, the intention we bring, which leaves a sort of spiritual DNA for those who come after us, creating a sacred journey and sacred space. It is the “cruces”, the cross created at the intersection of our intention and God’s persistent presence that elevates our awareness of this journey and this space being something that has high importance. This awareness somehow reveals ultimate value and is something that is more characterized as “happening to us” or “finding us”.

The symbolic representation of Christ’s care for humanity was the Good Shepherd who protected the flock at night in a sheepfold or pen made usually of plants or a hedge. Through a generous gift made by Tip and Ashlyn Tipton, a couple at Church of the Good Shepherd, the construction of that symbol of the sheepfold had been built to create a visual and symbolic boundary representing the boundary for your time along this prayer path. That portion of the labyrinth, the plant-based boundary, was professionally constructed. The walls of the labyrinth and the footpath were produced through the labors of several members and a few of their grandchildren.

So, through the efforts and resources of loving people who desire to make this space available to you, you are invited to prayerfully enter the sheepfold. We would suggest that your cell phone be turned off, or, even better, left in your vehicle. Walk as slowly or quickly as needed to represent your intention. After spending time in the center, the walk back into the busyness of our culture is also a part of the journey. We do suggest that it is important to walk the full journey once you cross the threshold that is bordered by beautiful azaleas.