Day 11: Astorga to Rabanal del Camino
It was an easy Sunday on the Camino. After a brutal 32 km slog yesterday, today’s 22 km walk was a welcome respite. Combined with a hotel stay last night, two baths, a later than usual start, and an intentionally slower pace, it made for a relaxing day of walking.
Tomorrow morning we visit the Cruz de Ferro (Iron Cross). Pilgrims leave a rock (or other momento) at its base. For many, the signifies their pain, suffering, and journey thus far. I pulled my rock out of my bag this morning and turned it over in my hand. I immediately started sobbing. I did that for quite some time in the privacy of my hotel room.
I carried the rock in my pocket today, and for a while I carried it in my hand while reflecting on my path thus far, along with all the pain and suffering I’ve seen, inflicted, or have had inflicted upon me. I tried to pour every bit of it into that little rock. And I cried a lot. Just when I thought I couldn’t take it anymore, I looked up. The clouds were moving briskly across the sky, and the morning sun was bouncing off them in a manner in which I have rarely seen.
And then it hit – trust in God. Bring your troubles to Him. Allow Him to help us with our burdens.
Although I am a devout Christian, I still feel like I’ve been dealing with this pain and suffering nearly all of my own for the last 39 years. Most of the time I get too caught up in dealing with problems on my own that I don’t ask for His help. And I always felt my problems were too trivial and too minor to ask for His guidance and support.
I was wrong.
I hope to leave this little rock behind and start anew with Him. I hope to shake the yoke of these burdens and move forward in the wisdom of three little words.
Trust in God.
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