If “Buen Camino” (good walk) has overtaken the traditional “hello” spot in your vocabulary, then it’s clear you’ve been walking the Camino. My team and I were fortunate enough to spend 21 days walking 375 km (232.5 miles) on an ancient pilgrimage route spanning across Europe and ending at the tomb of St. James in Santiago de Compostela in Spain. We started in St. Jean (France), and walked to Pamploma, Spain (Famous for running of the bulls). We then took a train to Leon. From Leon, we walked to Santiago.
Spain is breathtaking. The culture is rich, the people are kind, and the tapas (afternoon/evening snack) are irresistible. Experiencing the country for the first time by walking along the Camino was incredible. While the Camino was physically taxing, it was spiritually refreshing. It met a deep soul need for simplicity and routine. Simply put, each day was the same. Wake. Walk. Eat. Sleep. Repeat. The path was well marked with yellow arrows, shells, painted rocks, and locals providing guidance and friendly greetings. Not a day passed that we weren’t able to snack on wild raspberries, or not so wild grapes and apples.
My knees hurt before the Camino even started, and I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to make it past the first few days. I talked to God about it, and was reminded that He didn’t give me a spirit of fear, and that He says not to worry. So, I decided to leave worry and fear in Paris, and pick up thankfulness. Each morning I woke up thankful for being able to continue on the Camino. Walking each day (with the normal range of soreness) felt like a personal gift from God. I’ve read before that God knows the desires of my heart, but this walk helped me to believe it at a deeper heart level. I love hiking, backpacking, being in nature, endurance challenges, meeting people from around the world, and “hostel” life. And, I was able to experience all of it! I walked with my teammates/squadmates, and fellow pilgrims from around the world (USA, Spain, Portugal, Italy, France, Germany, Brazil, Mexico, Sweden, Norway, Canada, the Netherlands, and more). I loved hearing about their lives, and sharing about mine. Other times, I walked alone reflecting on where I was, where I am, and what God is inviting me to next. I was afraid of rejection and failure. A lot of my sense of worth came from being liked and accepted, my athleticism, and my job. When one of those things waivered, I struggled. Why was that? Because so much of who I was, was wrapped up in what other people thought of me, and my physical ability. It wasn’t wrapped up in what Jesus says about me. I spent time reminding myself of who God says I am. He says, I am loved, chosen, adopted, appointed, and accepted. His love doesn’t waiver and isn’t based on my performance or lack thereof. I am God’s daughter. Others may not know me or see me, but He does; He knows me.
The book Victory Over Darkness, by Neil T. Anderson is an awesome book that I listened to on the Camino. It helped me to identify lies and to learn what it means to renew your mind. I’ve also been reading and re-reading Psalm 139 and the following verses.
When I find myself worrying I remind myself…
“Do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear…who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?”
-Luke 12:22,25
“Do no worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Matthew 6:34.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything… present your requests to God.”
Philippians 4:6
“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
Psalm 37:4
Much love,
Catherine
As a reminder, I am fully funded and not in need of financial support. If you would like to support me by partnering in prayer I would love that!
