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“It is solved by walking.” I came across this quote from Saint Augustine years ago, and something about it stuck with me. I suppose that’s because I have always found this to be true for me. It is solved by walking, no matter what “it” is. Cabin fever? It is solved by walking. Bored? It is solved by walking. Stressed? It is solved by walking. Angry? It is solved by walking. Writer’s block? It is solved by walking. Procrastination? It is solved by walking. A little too much turkey or Mexican food or chocolate or pie? It is solved by walking.
I love to walk. In fact, it’s the only exercise I’ve ever been able to do consistently and still enjoy. They say that the best exercise is the one you’ll actually do. For me, it’s walking. I think I could walk all day long. And in 496 days, that’s exactly what I’ll be doing. For my Sabbatical in 2016, I will be walking the 500-mile Camino de Santiago. This is a medieval pilgrimage route from St. Jean Pied de Port at the foot of the Pyrenees in France to Santiago de Compostela in northwestern Spain. I will start my pilgrimage June 1, 2016. Yes, yes. I know that’s a long way off, but what can I say? I’m a planner!
Actually, I’ve been planning this for about 10 years now. Ever since I first heard of the Camino de Santiago, I’ve been compelled to do it. I’m not sure why. Part of it is the physical challenge, of course. Can I really walk 500 miles in 38 days? Part of it is the internal challenge. Can I really walk 500 miles in 38 days in a foreign country that speaks a language I do not know all by myself? Part of it is the spiritual connection. Walking along a path that’s been used by pilgrims for hundreds of years? Being in the midst of their prayers, their hopes, their pain, their triumphs? I get chills thinking about it. And part of it is intentionally placing myself among seekers.
Most people who walk the Camino are seeking something, and I am convinced that the future of the church—our church, all churches, The Church—is to be a place where seekers are welcome. I want us to be a place where seekers can come with all their hurts, questions, doubts, fears, differences, insecurities, baggage, blisters, anger, hopes, desires, wonderings and know they will be accepted, embraced, and loved. If I have a “professional” hope for my Camino experience, it is this: I want to be among seekers there because I want to learn how to be more open to seekers who cross my path here. I want to share hopes with them. I want to struggle with them. I want to grow with them. I want to learn with them. I think the Camino will help me in this quest.
Why am I talking about this now? Well, for one, I am VERY excited! For another, I just paid my deposit last week. I’m locked in. There’s no backing out now. I’ll try not to bore you with endless recitations of my countdown clock, even though you can be sure that’s what will be going through my head between now and then. Not that I want to rush time; it goes fast enough as it is. But I am really looking forward to the day when I first hear, “Buen Camino.” In the meantime, you’ll probably find me walking.
