Pain
I just walked 150 miles over the course of 10 days. Give or take a few miles.
Day 1 was pretty good. We walked about 7 hours and in that span covered close to 14 miles.
My feet weren’t really hurting until the last couple hours, but even then, I was still excited and positive about the days ahead. The scenery that day proved to be incredible and breath taking.
Day 2, I was hurting more than the previous day.
I had to put music in my ears to help me focus on the words & scenery rather than the pain.
By the way, after day 1 I already had developed blisters on my toes.
Day 3, my attitude was still good & quite positive. The scenery this day was my favorite and I had some time alone with Papa.
Day 4, this was the longest day so far, 29 km/18 miles; I was hurting. We still had about 12 km to go and I thought I wouldn’t make it.
Two teammates encouraged me “you’re gonna make it” “you can do it”.
This was when Papa started speaking to me about pain.
Rewind <<
Way back in China Papa spoke to me about pain on our rainy hike.
I was questioning why the months had been so difficult (in regards to community). He gave me the image of a surgeon, surgery & pain before healing.
Play >
Papa was telling me it’s a blessing to feel pain.
Wait, you’re saying it’s a good thing I can feel pain? this hurts! I feel like my heels and feet need to be cut off!
He told me if I couldn’t feel pain (physical in this sense), I would be superwoman & wouldn’t need Him.
When I experience & feel physical pain, I feel a little of what Jesus experienced on the cross.
I experience some of the pain that He went through so that I could walk & talk & have relationship/friendship with Him today.
So really- when I feel pain, I should be thankful. I’m reminded what my Savior went through to be with me.
This changed what I thought when the pain would come every day. Nearly every step was painful.
Every morning, the pain in my acheilles was acute and present. Every morning I would start walking slow. Every morning I had to tell Papa “I need you” when I was on the verge of tears.
One morning he gave me a song; every morning he walked with me, every step. He matched my pace. He didn’t rush or tell me to go faster. He was with me. I had to confess my need of Him. And He would come.
Faithful.
Today I have been resting. Not much walking. I’m resting my feet, my acheilles.
My blisters are almost completely healed. My feet are still swollen.
But Papa remains with me.
He’s with me every step of the way.
He’s given me an experience I won’t forget.
// If I had the proper shoes I’m sure I wouldn’t have been in as much pain. But I wouldn’t have been able to experience what I just shared.
I have a new appreciation for my feet, legs, ankles, bones, tendons and the anatomy of my body. Wow.
By the way, when we reached our destination of Burgos yesterday, I cried when I arrived. Because I was in such pain & just so glad to be done walking.
I’d say I’m a bit crazy for walking this much.
But sometimes you gotta do the crazy thing & it allows Papa to teach you something you wouldn’t have heard or learned another way.
Pain. It’s an interesting thing.
//side note// pray for supernatural healing of my acheilles! They are swollen from overuse & improper footwear, but Papa told me my healing is coming. I’m resting as much as I can and propping them up when I can.
Love y’all!
Thanks for reading this blog. 🙂
