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!
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?
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