I ventured out today for what I thought would be a relatively short and normal walk. I wanted to explore a church nearby and see what the grounds look like, hoping to find a quiet bench to sit with The Holy One. There wasn’t one, but I did get to see neighbors helping neighbors through a food-distribution program. What a gift we can be to others when we are willing to see the need and answer the call to help.
As I walked through the parking lot and down towards the road, I found myself in a neighborhood tucked in behind the church that I had never seen before. I wondered how many other things I have missed in my town as I zip in and out for work or errands.
Soon, I was walking behind a lady who obviously knew where she was going, so I kind of followed behind her as if she were my heaven-sent guide. I found myself over by the elementary school and a baseball diamond. As I walked around the yard and walked toward the diamond, it caused me to remember what it was like when I was 13 or 14 and had “blossomed” into a rather heavy young woman. My sweet neighbor would take me over to our soccer field and we would run the track every day during the summer. My mom took me to a dietitian, and I learned how to eat better. At least I had balanced meals, which is I guess what it’s really all about. I lost the weight and became more comfortable with myself and others.
All this gave me pause to think about things differently, to think about my past, as I often do on these walks, and what God is showing me today. Be healthy. Be stronger. We aren’t done yet! Journey on- there is more to see and do.
As I reflected back on those times, I realized I couldn’t run that track today. At my age, the body just doesn’t work like it used to, and that’s a little frustrating. The Spirit then shifted my thinking: “I’m not going to live in that frustration. I want to live where I am, in this aging body and take good care of it.” So I walked the track around the diamond remembering that every step was a step toward strength and renewal.
My new goal is to walk two miles-a day and to keep adding distance to get in better physical shape. It gives me time to also chat with The Divine as I trot along. Some friends of mine are getting ready to walk the Camino in October. I have another dear friend and his wife, who walk The Walk quite frequently. I love their stories of wandering enlightenment. I love the people that they meet on the road and just the way that it bonds them closer in the process. I’m in no shape to go on such a walk yet, but as my friends share how they are gearing up for eight-mile walks each day—or is it eight-hour days-I am encouraged to join them in their preparations. At first I felt a little jealous that I don’t yet get to take the walk; however, I’m not ready physically or spiritually. So the solution I have embraced is: “Get ready, girlfriend and create your own pilgrimage in the meantime!”
A friend created a playlist for their pilgrimage preparation and walk and now some of us staying behind are connected to them through the music they listen to. If we think outside if our disappointments we can discover solutions that fill our lives, right where we are. Be creative in how you join in, especially when you think you can’t.
Take the pilgrimage right where you are. Get out of the car, and explore your neighborhood. Drive to that park you keep passing on your way to work, and get out and explore all that nature has for you. Get a walking buddy, better yet get a walking crew. Do what you can do from where you are and if you can’t walk for physical reasons, find a group you can support with words of encouragement and prayers. If we are intentional enough, we can keep building community everywhere we go, and in that community, if we are fortunate enough, we may even find a way to let the past be in the past to embrace where we are today.
Peace be with you on your journey.
maggiemarcum 