Long walks are good for my soul. My wife and I have hiked parts of the Camino de Santiago in Spain several different years, leading groups of fellow pilgrims each time. I love the day after day rhythm of tramping along, one foot in front of the other, enjoying nature and letting regular life slide away for a time.

Ages ago a psalmist wrote of long walks as he praised to the Lord: Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.

I might rephrase this line as happy are those who walk and think about God. You don’t have to go to Spain to enjoy ambling with the Lord. A few steps out the door his creation waits with open arms.

Take a stroll. Spend time appreciating the world around you. Enjoy a few minutes in the presence of the Lord, and turn your outing into a pilgrimage.

Psalm 84 in Through the Bible in 2024

My wife and I will once again lead a group on the Camino de Santiago, June 7-15, 2025. If this interests you, visit our website for more information.

Photo by Ales Krivec