This week my wife and I, along with a group of soon-to-be friends, embark on the Camino de Santiago. As a group we will hike the final portion of the trail, covering 70 miles in 6 days. Dawn and I then plan to continue on and walk another 75 miles to the sea. We look forward to deepening connections along the way, as long days of unhurried walking create unique bonding experiences.
For twelve hundred years, people in search of God walked this same path. As the years passed, Psalm 121 became known as the Pilgrim’s Psalm:
I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber or sleep.
The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand. The sun will not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all evil—he will watch over your life. The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.
Walking step after step towards an unfamiliar destination, the words of the psalmist begin to sink deep into the heart of a pilgrim.
Of course, you don’t have to walk the Camino de Santiago to appreciate these verses. We all journey as pilgrims through life. As we roam it’s good to remember that shade, stability and security comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.
Camino de Santiago 2024
Photo: Pilgrims walk through the mist.
Dave,
I relish the opportunity for us to join you next year. I am leaving for Milan on Friday; too bad there’s no chance of running into the Dishmans in Europe this month.☹️ May your pilgrimage be your best one ever. Larry