Piloting Faith: Circling in, circling out...

A Word for the Day...
During my recent trip to the UK, I took some time to walk a labyrinth in the back of an old church. I’ve always appreciated them - the way they invite us to slow down, to open ourselves, to trust the journey.
You can walk the labyrinth in many ways. This time I appreciated how the labyrinth invites us to journey inward, then outward, then inward, then outward. As I grow older, I appreciate that life becomes a deeper, richer experience when I visit my past (my origin) to deepen my understanding of my present and future. Circling in, then circling out. I also appreciate how the depth of insight changes over time, teaching me something new with every pass. Growing in awareness requires circling in and circling out, considering the unfolding story of your life with wisdom only the journey can gift.
What stories of your past shape the path you walk today?
- Rev. Cameron Trimble, author of Piloting Church: Helping Your Congregation Take Flight

Prayer for the Week
Your realm seems far away these days. We see hate and division in the news, and everywhere, people are arguing, always arguing. Yet Jesus said that your realm - the only true and enduring reality - is also among us.
May your loving spirit becomes ours, in the middle of our despair.
Even in my own heart, I hold grudges, nurse anxieties, withhold compassion, and put myself first. Too often, my heart is not a hospitable place for Love.
May your loving spirit become ours, starting first in my heart.
Empower your people to see where your way of life is already showing up. Help us to become passionate agents in this continuing unfolding of your will for all things.
Amen.
- (adapted from The Prayer Wheel by Patton Dodd, Jana Riess and David Van Biema)