St. Luke’s United Methodist Church - Shreveport, Louisiana

Although I had made nine trips to Louisiana in the past, seven leading mission trips in the wake of Hurricane Katrina and two for national youth gatherings, I had never walked a labyrinth in the state before. Bob found this one for me on our drive home from Texas at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Shreveport. It is a medieval-inspired Santa Rosa design, copyrighted in 1997 by a woman living in the town of Santa Rosa.

This one is in a very peaceful setting, hidden off a busy road behind the church, and surrounded by trees that give a sense of protection both for the walker and the labyrinth itself. The trees that enclosed the labyrinth were stately, stoic, and protective. A great feeling of peace came over me as I walked it.

As I followed the labyrinth’s path, I could not help but think about the stately, stoic, and protective people in my life. People who “had my back” and some who still do. I thought of:

1. My godfather, Chester Kosmalski (whom I called “Pa”),

2. Old Pastor Mac and his son Pastor Cam MacKenzie,

3. All my family,

4. Pastor Robert Voelker,

5. Ron Meyer (both),

6. Chris Meyer,

7. Matt Raezler,

8. Rol Schlosser,

9. Ron Chapman,

10. Erik Allen,

11. Bob Skinner,

12. Christie Hoaglin,

13. Don Childers,

14. Tracey and Marty Shaw,

15. Dick and Julie Borrud.

There are so many others, but these jumped out at me as I walked. Great people on whom I could, and can, rely. If I left your name off, know that it was in trying to limit the list to fifteen, representing those fifteen trees enclosing the labyrinth. But know you are there, and I am grateful!

As I began my walk, a man came out of the church and invited Bob to come inside for some food and attend their Fall Festival on the other side of the church. Bob declined graciously and I complimented the man on his act of kindness. He had not seen me walking, but nodded and went back inside. What kindness!

The Santa Rosa design has a heart-shaped space part way between the entrance and the center that is not in the walking path. Often folks will leave items there that symbolize their journey—-flowers, candles, and the like. There were none there during my walk and I had none to contribute. One such labyrinth has a sign by the “heart” encouraging people to take a memento of their walk—- great idea!

My thoughts kept leading me back to the guardians of my life. I remember them with gratefulness and only pray that I may be such to others.

Location: Shreveport, Louisiana

Walked: October 20, 2023

Details of this labyrinth: a 37-foot diameter, medieval-inspired Santa Rosa design, made with multiple colored brick pavers, and installed in July, 2000.