But first, a look back. Tonight has been an evening of reflection, and I thought I would share some of my thoughts here. After an afternoon spent in tutorial for my Human Resources course, I headed into the city for Thursday night dinner at Tafelstraat 13, the University Chaplaincy. I have enjoyed these gatherings the past two months, as there is always tasty food and good company.
Tonight was no different. A tasty dinner of vegetarian lasagna, a nice salad, garlic bread and vla met kruidnoten (that is Dutch pudding and yummy Sinterklaas cookies) for dessert. Dinner is always accompanied by diverse company at Tafelstraat. Tonight I learned about Hungarian and Dutch Sinterklaas traditions and the troubles plaguing the Belgian government. There is always something interesting to learn from those sitting around you at the table!
But tonight after the dinner, we did something different. Instead of departing after having coffee and cleaning the kitchen, we walked outside in the cool autumn evening and traversed the winding, historic streets of Maastricht until we reached one of my favorite spots in the city - the park near the river Maas. Today, the chaplaincy had laid out a labyrinth made of small pebbles. The labyrinth is an ancient symbol in the Christian and Jewish tradition. Composed of seven (the perfect number) rings, the labyrinth offers those who enter its sphere an opportunity to reflect on whatever is on one's heart. A chance to commune and be with God. A chance to take a look at yourself and your relationship with the Higher Being.
Tonight, I entered the labyrinth along with several others from the Tafelstraat dinner. Each of us took our own time to make the journey through the labyrinth and to pray and reflect on the thoughts in our hearts and minds. I first followed the tradition relayed to us by the chaplain - walk around the outside of the labyrinth 3 times before entering. First, reflect on God as the Father. Next, God as the Son, and finally, God as the Holy Spirit. I took my time to contemplate where I stand with God in my relationship with Him in these three dimensions at this moment in my life. Next, I entered the labyrinth, stopping periodically along my journey to the center to contemplate the thoughts pervading my mind and give them to God. I thanked God for the beauties of life, blessings He has bestowed, and opportunities He has given me. I reached the center, and knelt in prayer before God. I asked Him for peace, for closure, and for a heart yearning for Him and His will.
I made my way back out of the labyrinth and stood in communion with the others in the group. There was a new feeling among the small group of us. I could tell that this had been a truly awesome experience for everyone in the group.
I gathered my things and began biking back to my humble abode across the river. A quiet, spirit of contemplation hovered over me as a rode - a sense of peace. I took the long route home, cycling slowly to enjoy the beauty of the city at night and to notice new things. What an amazing place I am in. And have I been thankful for it - no. Have I taken the proper time to thank God for this amazing opportunity - no. Have I been fully engaged in my time here - no.
These are the things I have been pondering tonight. These are the things I want to continue to reflect on during my time here. These are the things I want to strive for - gratitude, living in the moment, living a life that reflects the beauty and love of Christ.
I am thankful for this experience, for this opportunity to reflect, for this moment, for today, and for tomorrow.
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