Day 25- Pilgrimage

Disclaimer- my intent is not to preach. I regret and apologize if I sound preachy. When I talk of God and this pilgrimage, it’s personal to me. I ask things of myself. I ask of nothing from others. My intent is to share this deeply personal experience with anyone interested in following my journey. Like I’ve said, if you are willing to read it, I will write it.

For the last 3 Springs I have I) walked over 1,600 miles of pilgrimage paths; 2) stayed in over 100 towns in Spain; 3)stopped and prayed in chapels, churches, cathedrals and trailside crosses and statues; 4) in countless pictures I tried to convey the feeling of walking the Camino; and 5) I tried to put to words what I was experiencing, at times with a bit of humor or musical reference.

Why?

I hoped to better know myself, my purpose in life and how I could achieve my purpose and become a better version of myself. I could not do it on my own. I need God’s help and guidance. But will I seek him out? He is always with me. I just need the faith to find him. The Camino has helped me to find God in my life. But why all the walking? Can’t I do the same searching on the couch? I doubt it, too close to the remote- distraction. At home I am distracted by so much, both good and bad, important and wasteful. The past few days, including today, with all their winds, rain, chill, fog, mud and slippery trails took away looking at beautiful scenery, taking photos, stopping to just enjoy my surroundings and perhaps passing the time with other Pilgrims. What was left? The Camino, God and me. Facing the elements and challenges besieging me in my quest for atonement, I needed help. I could not have finished these days on my own. I needed faith. I needed God, still do.

The river viewed from the other side. I traversed that mountain side on the other side of the water which is held by a big dam