Making Headway

Along with several hundred others, I walked a portion of the Camino de Santiago last week. My group started in Sarria, Spain and trekked 71 miles to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. We walked through cities, barrios, rural area, eucalyptus forests, groves, and orchards of so many kinds of fruit trees. We stepped inside churches and walked over bridges erected centuries ago. We walked through farm villages that seemed untouched by the noise and distractions of modern cities.

We enjoyed the best cafe con leche. Received the warmest welcomes. And cheered “Buen Camino!” to hundreds of fellow pilgrims and locals as we made our way on the path.

Against the Wind

It was a beautiful experience. Though not as challenging as some of the backpacking and hiking trips I’ve done, I thought often of the words recorded in Mark 6:48 as Jesus watched his disciples in a boat going against the wind.

“And he saw that they were making headway painfully, for the wind was against them.”  Mark 6:48 ESV

I can think of no better words to describe the hard parts of any kind of journey. Making headway painfully. Not only the physical journeys we make but the ones we make over a lifetime becoming the person we are meant to be. Making headway painfully describes much of our relational, educational, and vocational journeys. Our healing and personal development journeys. And the most important to me – my spiritual journey.

Some days of the journey are easy. We enjoy days and seasons with no challenges. Everything goes as planned for the most part. We’re making progress on our goals, dreams are coming true, the people we love are doing well, and our work is fulfilling. We feel good about life. The first days on The Camino felt like this. The weather was perfect. The walk was mostly flat and the path led us through some of the most beautiful landscapes I’ve ever seen.

There are seasons similar to the 18-mile day on our pilgrimage. Long and tiring with the end not in sight. Then others like the 15-mile day where it rained off and on, the sun stayed hidden and the uphills seemed to come one after another.

You don’t get the job you really need. The car won’t start and you don’t have money for the repairs. A friend is diagnosed with cancer. Your aging parents need more help. Problems come one after another.

Then One Day

The spiritual journey can feel the same way. One day you’re sure of what you believe and belong to a like-minded group of people. You feel in sync with your faith and the community you’re part of. You’re serving and giving and growing. God feels near and you’re convinced you know the way. Certain of the choices you’re making to create the life you want.

Then one day your heart is broken and your journey prompts some questions. You wonder if what you believe is true and the doubts scare you. The people who talk about loving our neighbors aren’t loving their neighbors. You wonder if you’re really loving yours. You desire something more, deeper, and a love that makes a real difference in real life. Not only for you but for those around you.

And so you journey on…stumbling and unsure and painfully sometimes. Yet, making headway.

And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age. Matthew 28:20

Walking Partner

Do you want a walking partner on your spiritual journey? I’m a spiritual director who is passionate about walking with those who want to explore their faith. I listen with you as you discover what God is doing in your life, deepen your relationship with him, and discern how he wants you to move forward. I ask questions, listen, and pray with you as you grow in self-awareness and offer ways to cultivate a life of paying attention to God. Visit my website to find out more.

Spiritual Direction with Marie