Preparing For The Way
Yes, I know, they are bright. Yes, I asked if the shoes came in any other color. And no, unfortunately, they do not. Well, yellow, it is.
In a few days, I will begin my journey to Spain to walk a section of El Camino or The Way of St. James, a well-known pilgrimage that has existed since the 9th century. Many sojourners have trekked across Spain to reach the small town of Santiago, where the remains of St. James are said to be buried.
The millions preceding
I wonder about the millions of people who have walked this path before me. What were they searching for? Did they hope to find something that would enhance their life? Were they soul-searching or hoping to connect or reconnect with God? Perhaps, they were lost and wondered whether hundreds of miles of walking might help them be found. As I begin to prepare spiritually for this journey, I am asking myself the same question: what am I in search of? Or is that the question I should be asking?
I must be honest; I have been rather busy preparing my backpack, organizing items, finding lightweight alternatives to the things I might need, reading blogs, and following Facebook groups to glean insight into what the journey will hold. The long training walks logged in will hopefully be sufficient to tolerate the 14-mile-a-day average. I am a bit concerned, but I must remind myself that I can accomplish more than I think.
Spiritual unpacking
Today, I turned my attention away from the gear I would pack to the spiritual items I may need to unpack. I don’t know what those are yet. Time will reveal. Undoubtedly, physical fitness will be tried, mental capacity pushed to its limits, and emotional soundness tested. But, more importantly, what awaits spiritually? And is my spirit humble enough to receive? I pray it is
Sacred journeys
Every journey is sacred, particularly the ones we walk every day. It seems that the most mundane often provide the most extraordinary glance into the holy; if only I weren’t so busy to notice. Perhaps, the question I need to ask is, Lord, could you help me to see the sacred? I believe I have missed enough of these moments, and I hope not to miss them anymore.
Buen Camino
I am sure the Lord will walk every step of the way with you. I can just pray for you – can’t wai to hear about it on your return.
Thanks Bud! I really appreciate the prayers!
Leslie, excited for you. I am praying
this spiritual experience fills you with joy and enlightening you with every step.
Thank you!
Beyond excited for you dear friend. Save some energy for the next time when we can do it together!♥️
I love you and I am praying this journey is all you need it to be.😘
You bet!
I’m so excited for you. What exact day do you start? As I have wanted to do this but physically would not be able to, my heart journeys with you as my prayers follow you daily. As you walk each day the Holy Spirit will be airing out your mind, heart and soul of certain unneeded baggage and replace it with God’s wisdom and truth. One important thing to take is a journal and plenty of pens. Course, I suspect you already know that. 😁
Heavenly Father, watch over and protect Leslie and her friends as they strive to let go of themselves and open up to you. Blessed Mother Mary, I bind them to your Immaculate Heart that they may see through your eyes and hear through your ears and feel with your heart and soul the presence of your beloved Son, Jesus in the people they meet and all that they see.
God bless you.
Started walking on Sept 15th. Thank you for the beautiful prayer