The Labyrinth

Life is a maze,
A labyrinth of paths,
Leading. . . I do not know where.

At the beginning
The way seemed clear:
Charted, planned,
Where I would go,
What I would do,
My destination dreamed.

But later, or sooner
Pain
Narrows
The
Path.
The maze becomes
Confusing
The labyrinth
Tortuous.

I find a hundred ways
To seek escape:
Success,
Organization,
Good Works,
Religious Activity,
Withdrawal,
Aggression.

My body tightens
My mind controls
My heart shuts down
My spirit withers
My soul cries out. . .
“Where are you, God”

In the silence
A gentle Voice:
“I’m here.
Here in the Center
Of your pain,
Of your fear,
Of your utter need
Here. . . Where you are afraid
to go. Come and see.”

“I’m here. . . waiting
To hold you
When you’re ready,
To heal you
When you let me.

“I give you
Not a way out,
But a way through,
Not a running from
But a resting in.
Not empty, battered pieces
But peace.
In the Center
Of life’s labyrinth
I give you
. . . Me
And I give you
. . .you.”

by Linda L. Gage in 2001 for her Seminar in Walla Walla, WA