Last September, where was I? I was worrying about the timed hike which was going to happen at Training Camp. Training Camp started in October and passing the hike was a requirement for going on the trip. So in September I was training several times a week, carrying my big pack up and down the street near my neighborhood.
We just sang a song which was a throwback to Training Camp, which felt like forever ago. I passed the hike, praise God, and this Race has, thankfully, involved little hiking so far.
Well, in two weeks, we will be embarking on the Camino de Santiago, which is a pilgrimage (aka a long walk) across northern Spain that is supposedly the route that the apostle James walked. People walk 10 to 20 miles a day for several weeks in a row.
I first heard of it in 2015 or 2016 when my friend’s husband was planning on going on it. We rejoiced at his spiritual growth, but in my head I thought, “Who would ever want to do that? Better him than me…”
Well, fast forward two years and here I am, without much of a choice. I have spent most of this month dreading it, since I am on a team with a lot of people who are not only physically fit, but genuinely excited about the Camino. Although we were only required to do ten days, most of them wanted to do as much as possible, which will be about 20 days. So I have been worried about it physically and financially (paying for the bus in order to keep up). So I anticipate it being both unpleasant and expensive.
But God reminded me that just as I passed the training hike last year, He would enable me to do this. He asked me, “What are you worrying about?” He helped me then and He will help me now.
It’s funny, a few days ago, we had encouraging feedback and my teammate shared, “When I first met you, I thought, “Who is this valley girl?” I didn’t think you were going to make it.” I laughed, not at all offended, because it was totally true! I didn’t know if I was going to make it either, but I did! And here I am!
When I used to practice for the timed hike, I used to picture a chubby, winded Jesus walking alongside me, suffering right there with me, in it ’til the end. So, He’ll be my Camino buddy in the upcoming weeks. Maybe the apostle James even needed Him too. Buff, speedy Jesus can walk with someone else.
If I’m being honest, I’m still not excited, but I know the One who walks with me, and He has given me peace and joy.
