Walking the Labyrinth
A friend of mine, Cindy Pavlinac, has made a living of visiting sacred places and photographing them. I accepted her invitation to participate in the labyrinth walk at Grace Cathedral last Friday night, accompanied by her photographs and the beautiful live music of Martin Gregory on piano.
I don’t know what I was expecting, but God touched my heart.
This photograph to the left is how I felt afterwards. I started at the beginning of the labyrinth, bowing to the docent standing there. I began my journey, and along the way, twisted and turned until I found myself at the middle. Each time the turn faced me towards the front of the cathedral, I stopped and gave thanks. I considered why I was drawn to put myself in the presence of something holy. I felt like I was given an answer: IT WAS TIME.
It was time for a little magic in my life, something miraculous, something otherworldly and totally off the charts. Time for putting away the toys of playing small, and time to get out the big toys the big girls and boys play with. Time to stand for my stories, getting the moving experiences down on paper. I’d been feeling a little sorry for myself for some would say good reasons. But I’d been self indulgent and focusing on myself, when there is all of heaven out there. My heaven has a small h. It isn’t a place as much as a state of mind. I’d been mired down by things I’d allowed myself to burden myself with, couldn’t get out of my mind, dreaming with dread.
I’d been keeping up the good fight. Trudging through the cold and the difficult. It wasn’t getting any easier. I should have arrived by now. When does it start to get easier? When does it all start to pay off? When is my turn?
Me, Me, Me.
And then I walked the labyrinth. The paper said to walk and think about your life, and leave your burden along the way, or in the middle, or release it when you are done.
Was I done yet? That’s what God asked me. “Are you done struggling? Being frustrated?”
“Yes,” I whispered.
“Proove it.”
“Excuse me?”
“You heard me. Proove it.”
I sat back in my creaking chair, took out my notebook, watched the other pilgrim labyrinth walkers find whatever they were seeking, and took a deep breath and then a sigh. And I saw a new story.
That was Friday night. I am now 10,000 words into this new story. The more I write it the more I love it. Just like the very first one I wrote. And it is no struggle.
It is a miracle. I’m ready for the magic of the season, for those beautiful stories to come rising to the top so they can be told.
What about you? How do you prepare yourself for miracles in your life, those life-changing days and nights? What inspires you? Fills you with desire for magic and unlimited potential?
C.J. Ellisson lives near Washington DC with her husband, two children, two Staffordshire bull terriers and a young cat to whom she’s newly allergic. 
After spending most of her working life associated with real estate, she’s now pursuing a new passion of fiction writing. Her Erotic Urban Fantasy series stars a smart, strong, and slightly sarcastic female vampire running a resort for the undead in Alaska.
J.D. Brown lives with her two Pomeranians on the border between Wisconsin and Illinois. She enjoys the best of both worlds: peaceful country side and neurotic city life. J.D. began writing for publication in 2009, when she started her first Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Thriller series, Dark Heirloom. She fell in love with the craft and her writing became a wicked hot obsession.
Gregory Marshall Smith, born in Somerville, Massachusetts and raised in historic Medford, is a jack-of-all-trades. 
Anastasia V. Pergakis is a high fantasy author, mostly. She also writes Sci-Fi, Urban fantasy, and mystery novels. Her main novel, The Faery’s Tale Saga is a four part series, a high fantasy mixed with action/adventure and romance. She also writes dark poetry and the occasional twisted or humorous short story. Besides writing, Anastasia also loves reviewing/editing, cover art design, and web design. 
The eccentric George Allwynn not only pens GLBT romantic suspense, but at times, has been caught sneaking in some paranormal, humor and (gasp!) erotica. 
Sharon Hamilton loves all things paranormal: angels, vampires, a witch or two, and even some hybrid beings who don’t know what they are. 
David Sartof has a PhD in management philosophy, has served in the Merchant Marine and as an Officer in the UK’s Royal Air Force. In addition, he spent most of the first decade of the 21st century developing businesses as an entrepreneur. 
David is the author of River of Judgement, a crime novel set in the City of London during the start of banking crisis of the late-noughties.
James Garcia Jr.began writing when he discovered horror novels in junior high. Later, he set aside his dream of being a writer while he and his wife started their family. 
As his fortieth year approached, James began to feel the haunting desire to see that novel completed. After twenty years, Dance on Fire was published in 2010. James is an Administrative Supervisor for Sun-Maid Growers of California.
Wicked Writers 
Beautiful message, Sharon. And I loved the photos, especially of the deer in the snow. Yes, I think it’s time that we all walked the Labyrinth.
I agree with Greg. Gorgeous!
I know you’ve been walking a difficult path lately and I’m thrilled to see you’ve found a spark. 10,000 words in such a short time frame – you go girl!
Hi Sharon,
I always think it is great to hear of events that encourage belief. We all need to believe! I truly hope your path is a bit straighter now. 🙂
Sharon, I don’t think I could say it any better than the others already have. I hope to hear in the not-so-distant future that this event was in fact THE pivotal one that got “it” all started. God bless!
-Jimmy