| In 2016
we journeyed the Portugal Coastal Ways Camino. After which we
had no further plans for any more such experiences. At the time,
many people asked why we made that journey. We were no spring
chickens. We weren't hikers. Not affluent people. Yet, that experience
enriched our lives and memories forever.
2018. Despite our best laid
plans, a couple of weeks ago we journeyed the Via Francigena Pilgrimage
from Viterbo to Rome. Despite us being older, 69/74, still weren't
hikers and have less money than we did back then. It came to be.
Though this journey was less in days, it didn't lack for intensity,
emergence into another culture from our own and surrounded us
with spiritual growth opportunities.
This, of course, brought to
the forefront the same questions of purpose. Why? And though I
am occasionally a believer of not knowing why is a reason why,
as well as the means justifies the end, rather than the end justifies
the means, I haven't found any better description than I did in
2016 while traveling on the Camino.
Thus, I share it again.
"Life is perpetually
calling me to greater expressions of my Christ Potential. While
times of rest provide essential nourishment during my life journey,
occasionally, I may catch myself lingering for too long in the
safety of the known. Am I stuck in a rut? Am I striving for my
full potential?
Spirit is calling me to
seek out opportunities for growth. I might elect to take on a
hobby, join a community, or some other commitment that invites
me to more fully express my God-given gifts. Taking on challenges
as well as squarely meeting the ones before me helps me to build
fortitude and flexibility.
By being willing to get
out of my comfort zone, I expand my horizons, gaining confidence
to handle new, unexpected situations."
Now that we finished our Pilgrimage
of the Via Francigena, we have no further plans for any more such
experiences. That is our thinking for today.
And yet, tomorrow the sun will
rise again, with it may shine plans for us never imagined. Our
faith, willingness, imagination, acceptance, will make all the
difference with what journeys we may travel in our future.
It is up to us to continue
to take that first step. |