Cumberland First Baptist Church Cumberland, Indiana

Cumberland First Baptist Church in “Historic Old Town Cumberland”, a charming little section on the far edge of Indianapolis, was my next stop on my “Living Light” labyrinth retreat.  This labyrinth is an eleven-circuit medieval Chartres design with grass borders and a mulch path in a beautiful setting.

Entering, I was a bit confused: under the pergola entrance there seemed to be two different paths on which to start.  That is not usual.  I went to the left, as I have been told that at amusement parks like King’s Island or Cedar Point, one should start out to the left to avoid the crowds, as most folks go to the right upon entering.  So, on this frosty day, I took “the path less traveled” in honor of poet Robert Frost.

My attention focused on a number of different objects I could see from the path. There was a carved tree with different figures on it, almost like a totem pole. Quaint seating areas were around the perimeter.  Further ahead there seemed to be a very old cemetery, or something.

Reaching the labyrinth’s center, I paused and prayed for those on my list, then began my journey back.  It took me fifteen minutes to walk to the center but only three to exit.  How could that be?  I was mystified, as it should take almost the same amount of time for each.

I decided I must have exited incorrectly, so I went directly back to the labyrinth’s center.  Standing there, the lyrics of the song “Like A Prayer” came to mind:  

“Life is a mystery (in this labyrinth)

Everyone must stand alone (in the labyrinth)

I hear you (the Spirit) call my name (in the labyrinth)

And it feels like home (as I stand in the labyrinth)”

With my fingers cold and a bit painful, I decided to leave and warm up in the car.  I still couldn’t figure this out.  Even though I went on to another labyrinth that afternoon, at day’s end I came back to try again to tackle this mystery..  

This time I walked it in a haphazard manner to try to see what I could see before it dawned on me that there were not two entrances after all.  The right side had a curved patch of grass missing that should have blocked my quick exit and sent me along the same circuitous path as on which I had entered.  At least that’s what I think.  

Life is a mystery at times, isn’t it?  Sometimes we figure it out, and sometimes we do not.  However, as my Bible verse for today (Isaiah 41:10) says:  "God will uphold you with God’s glorious right hand.“  No matter what, whether the path is clear or not, God is there!