Getting very real

As I make my final preparations for my adventure on the Camino de Santiago, I’ve been reflecting upon my readiness (or otherwise). With just three days to go, this is starting to feel very real now!

I have to admit that I’m feeling both quite excited and, at the same time, rather daunted at the scale of the journey ahead. I’ve not done as much physical training as I should have done. But my bag is (almost) packed, my shoes are worn in and I guess I’m as ready as I will be for this adventure.

Perhaps this is the first lesson of the Camino: Just as all pilgrimages are said to begin as you walk out through your own front door, a pilgrim can only start on their journey just as they are.

I am conscious too that my journey will be whatever it turns out to be. That’s not some sense of fatalism but rather a mix of realism and expectation.

I do know where I’m starting, where the first few steps will take me as I begin to put one foot in front of the other. So far, I’ve booked only my first and last night’s accommodation. I’ve studied the route in my guidebook and I know the general direction in which I plan to walk as I head west towards Santiago. I also know this is going to be very challenging on lots of levels.

But I don’t know very much more than that. I don’t know exactly what twists and turns my path will take. I have no idea who I will meet or walk alongside on the way. I don’t really know how far I will actually manage to walk each day over the next 3 weeks. I don’t know whether I’ll be able to find a bed in an albergue (hostel) in the village or town where I decide to stop walking for each day. My uncertainty and lack of control over what lies ahead is real but all part of the adventure!

And yet what is much more important to me is that I see this as an adventure for, and with, Jesus. As He and I travel together along the road that lies ahead, my prayer is that I will learn more about Him, every step of the way.

I’m therefore content to trust God for all of these unknowns, as well as with all that is known. This doesn’t mean that my fears have instantly vanished but I set out on the Camino with a heart full of hope and faith, rather than trepidation.

As I count down these last few days, I’m very grateful for the encouragement, prayers and good wishes offered by many friends, family members and colleagues, especially over recent weeks and days. I’ve also been amazed at quite how many have expressed their interest in following my journey. Thank you for all of your support and kind words.Meer informatie