The Camino de Santiago is an ancient pilgrimage that millions have walked over a thousand years. This pilgrimage developed over time as peregrinos (pilgrims) walked from all over Europe to venerate the bones of James—one of the disciples of Christ and one of the three who were witnesses to miracles others were not privy to. James walked with Jesus for three years and ultimately was martyred for his faith and his unwavering belief that only in Jesus can one find hope, peace, and purpose in living. It is no wonder that people have walked hundreds of miles to see this man whose life was forever changed by his friend and teacher—Jesus.
Pilgrimage is often used to describe one’s journey through life. I find the connections to my life profound while walking the pilgrimage in Spain. The physicality of putting one foot in front of the other correlates with day-to-day life. There are days of amazing scenery, great conversation, and delicious food; and there are days of physical pain, and I want to give up. There are hills harder than I want to tackle but what am I to do? If I don’t keep walking, I’ll miss out on the journey that lies ahead of me, so I keep putting one foot in front of the other until I get to the top of the hill.
Seasons in my life are beautiful and pleasurable, and I think all will be well forever. Then I turn a corner and experience a challenging or devastating circumstance and I’m not sure I can make it. I also experience unexpected pain both physically and emotionally and am left wondering if I can go on, but I keep walking and become stronger. Yes, pilgrimage is a good word to describe one’s journey though life. What happens along the journey is what needs paying attention to—not the destination.
Yellow arrows mark the way of the Camino de Santiago—it’s quite hard to miss them. You find yellow arrows marking the path of the Camino all over Europe— a signpost pointing the way to go. If you happen to miss one, simply ask a fellow pilgrim and they nod or point in the right direction. There is encouragement from others to keep walking and not give up.
What are the signposts in life pointing us in the right direction? For the follower of Jesus, His words are signposts, which we must read and listen to. Friends can be helpers and guides. I am thankful for all the people in my life who have helped me find my way.
Sometimes in life I find it difficult to find the yellow arrows. How many times am I looking for the yellow arrows in the wrong places when I should simply look toward Jesus who is our Shepherd and always present to guide us in the way we walk.
Where does God lead us?
He leads us along the right paths for His name’s sake according to the 23rd Psalm.
The yellow arrows on the Camino de Santiago, and in life, are not meant to remain hidden. But we must seek the Shepherd who leads.
He leads, I follow.
