Image courtesy of Flickr user: mripard

Sometimes a change of perspective is what one needs more than a change of scenery. But I love it when God does both.

A few Saturdays ago, I drove to a church with a prayer labyrinth patterned after the one in the Chartres Cathedral. As I walked toward the labyrinth, an iridescent teal-breasted hummingbird fluttered along the mulch path.

I felt welcomed.

White daisies, with yellow-centers, stood like a tall sentry at the entrance. When I entered the small-rock lined labyrinth, my heart was full of upset, hurt and anger. 

As I walked, I noticed the weeds along the path and gauzey pink flowers waving in the wind. Mexican sage bloomed purple spiral beauty.

I reached the center and stared at a white Celtic cross half-hidden by a tree's emerald flowing leaves and I shared my ugly reality with God. How else can He change my heart?

Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; See if there be any hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way. Psalm 139:23-24 NASB

When Adam and Eve disobeyed and hid themselves, God asked, "Where are you?" He knew, but did they? So often, Jesus asked people questions to help them see what was in their own hearts.

Because until I'm honest with what is in my heart, how can my heart be changed? And I desperately need Him to change my heart.

So my soul stood naked before God. And He covered me with His love, and His forgiveness.

Then I turned around, and retraced my steps. Past the giant rosemary bush with a pink geranium somehow growing in its midst. Past the lavender and the tiny white flowers with red centers on a tall bush.

Passing the delicate pink flowers and Mexican sage, again.

Slowly, I felt His peace rising and wind around my heart as I wound back and forth till I returned to the mulch path at the labyrinth's entrance.

I left with a deepening sense of His presence with me as I drove home.

Counting Thanks with Ann:

• A big "THANKS" to all who have served in our military, and to their families for their sacrifice. Belated Memorial Day's wishes.
• Little brown bird flying past me.
• Resolving conflict with hubby; we practiced our "I" statements, and giving grace when we did not.
• First violet hydrangea bloom in a vase. (I will try to post a picture.)
• God's reminders today to humbly let go and to trust Him with loved ones and various situations.
• Praying friends (so grateful for each of you!), and God giving me an outline for my teaching this Friday to a group of retirees, and veterans.
• Blueberries and strawberries on oatmeal.

How are you today? Any praise, thanks, or prayer request?

Linking with sweet friend Laura for a play date

and encouraging Jennifer

and talented L.L. Barkat

and the amazing Jen 

and giving thanks with wise Ann 

© Soul Stops/Dolly Lee 2012.   Limited License: Okay for noncommercial use if you ask me, attribute this post to me and link to my permalink and blog.