Six years ago today I walked into the Spanish city of Pamplona, which was day two of my 22 day trek to Santiago. There's any number of things to read about the pilgrimage, and far better writers than I have given voice to the beauty and the struggle of making the trek, and now there's even a modern film with Martin Sheen which captures some of the imagery, as well as the intensity of the Way.
Here's what I learned:
1) Walking alone is a great gift. Insights emerge, "fightings within and without" which made me turn closer to God, rather than toward self or others.
2) The "engine" inside of me which can sometimes propel me with anxiety and unsettledness is the same engine that needs to rest, and to move more slowly on the path. Still, the engine has integrity and should never be belittled.
3) Friends are given every day...always.
4) In darkness we need only enough light for the next step, not the whole journey.
TJB
