What is holding you up?

I want to talk a bit about walking sticks. They say walking sticks improve balance, reduce joint stress, enhance stability, and provide a full-body workout, making them valuable for hikers and walkers of all ages. And we find that to be true - especially when the terrain is steep. One thing I developed before the trip was some back pain, and at times on the walk it can tighten up. When I lift my weight a little with the walking sticks, I can get immediate lessening of the tightness.

When I first thought about using the walking stick analogy, I wanted to think about how each of us can be a walking stick for each other - providing support, lessening the load or pain, and basically helping each other through the journey. And this is definitely true - many of you are providing support for me, some here on the journey and others from a distance.

But the other truth of the Camino is the parallels you see every day to your journey on the walk and your life with God Himself. God “lifts us up” with every step and gives us strength to endure the journey.

Each day so far we have been walking around 36-38 thousand steps. So if you live to be 100, each step represents just one day of your life. How can you walk that far? - one step at a time. If your day looks insurmountable - take that step, and ask God to improve your balance, Ireduce your stress, enhance your stability, and build your endurance. Some days can be uphill days, and maybe you don’t see the end of how far or high, other days you slip or can only take that step with God’s help. But God is not only the destination, He is with you every step of the journey. Buen Camino!