CAMINO LESSONS: BACKPACK BURDENS...

 As we prepared to walk the Camino de Santiago, we took many, many walks. We called it training and it paid off in more ways than one! We wore the backpacks we planned to take with us. Then we started adding weight in our backpacks(some use a luggage transfer service on the Camino, but we preferred not to).  We worked up to 10 pounds and I realized how uncomfortable I was with just that added weight, the added burden on my back.  I started thinking how much easier it would be not to have the physical load.  And then it dawned on me, without my backpack I'd be miserable!  It carries my clothing, food, and necessities!  It sustains me!  It really is a BLESSING!

Day 1 on our Camino de Santiago, with my backpack of blessings.

What if the things we consider burdens in our everyday living we thought of as BLESSINGS? Our chores, work and obligations. Our spouses, parents, children, friends, co-workers occasionally feel like burdens.  They all have needs.  And it's not up to us to meet all of them. But where would we be without them?  And without work to do, would life have any real meaning? 

The Cruce de Ferro on the Camino Frances intrigues me.  It is a hilly place where an ancient cross is and stone "burdens" are brought and left by many pilgrims on the Camino.  I've read many stories of how meaningful this is for them.  And I realized if I were to bring a burden to lay down at the foot of the cross, it would be the BURDEN OF EXPECTATION.  Often times I'm very hard on myself with unrealistic expectations.  Instead of relying on God's mercy and grace I tend toward filling my life with too many works or visions of perfection.   

Before I even stepped foot on the pilgrim's path to Santiago de Compostela, I had already learned something!  My BURDENS are mostly BLESSINGS IN DISGUISE.  Mindfully walking through life, smiling along the way is a more pleasant way to look at my mental and physical load.  And God has equipped me to carry it and enjoy the journey.  

It reminds me of a devotional song with a catchy tune:  

Who's that walkin' down the road?  Carrying such a heavy load!

Sinner, lay your burden down, 'cause you're walking down Heaven's road!

Walkin' down Heaven's Road, you're gonna lay down that heavy load,

(Sweet) Jesus said He'd walk along with me (Praise God, glory hallelujah)

I'm singing all the way, I've got sunshine in every day,

Won't you come along and join me on that Heaven's road?

CAMINO LESSONS: GUIDANCE FOR OUR PATH...

 

   Scripture:  Psalm 119:105 Your Word is a lamp to my feet, a light to my path.

Several days of our Camino walk we were going longer distances, so we were sure to get an early start and be on the path by 7 a.m. That meant we were walking in darkness for a bit!  We walked about 5 km, or an hour, while watching the horizon lighten, the sun rising and the sleepy towns and villages waking up. We enjoyed it, as it was quiet and seemed we had the trail all to ourselves, but at the same time, it could be dangerous. During that first hour we needed a light for our feet on this unknown path.  We had one small headlamp between us, so we had to stick close together.  We stepped a little slower and more carefully, as injury could mean the end of our whole Camino!  It was a bit spooky as well, when we were under a tunnel of trees.  I felt a little like Red Riding Hood in the Dark Wood!  It seemed the trees might reach out and grab you.  Fortunately sharing the trail with my husband helped!  I specifically remember heading out of Melide, we immediately encountered a steep rocky path like some areas they call the "dragon's teeth."  Our senses were heightened and focused.  We were reliant on the light of the tiny headlamp for our safety and well-being.

The verse in Psalm 119 states plainly that God's Word is a lamp, a light for our path.  If we don't want to stumble through life -and who doesn't - we should rely on God's Word! Using God's Word as our guide we can navigate around obstacles and keep moving forward.  I'm reminded of another good verse from 2 Timothy 3:16, that reminds us God's word is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.  As we travel on our journey, let us rely on the light, God's Word. 

Passing a statue or monument just before sunrise