June 9, 2025
Good evening,
During our Camino experience last September, our guide told us to not walk together as a group. We were a group of thirteen of various ages and physical abilities. He told us this so that the fast walkers would not get frustrated by having to walk slower for the group. For the slower walkers, they would not feel bad if they felt they were slowing down the faster walkers. So walk at your own speed.
I retold this story to my spiritual director today. I shared with her that some days of retirement were good and others were challenging as I lived into this new life. It is not surprising that this would be my experience . Her advice to me was the same as our Spanish Camino guide, go at your own pace. Do not rush it. On our Camino walk we were encouraged to stop for coffee and lunch. There were many churches and chapels where we could rest. It was not a race, but an experience. It was a good piece of advice for my journey on the Camino, and maybe for life in general
“ I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. ” 2 Timothy 4:7-8
The above Scripture, for me, is still in the present tense. Hopefully I am still fighting ( in a pacifist sense ) with life, and running a good race and am keeping my faith strong. Some days in the last few months have been difficult while others have been relaxing and life giving. But that could be said about 40 years of my working life as a pastor.
Peace and strength for the journey of life and faith. Amen.
Gaza.
Fred
black and white shadows
crush humanity’s freedom
am I complicit ? MPL 2025
Ponder Anew 