“Love has its speed. It is a spiritual speed. It is a different kind of speed from the technological speed to which we are accustomed. It goes on in the depth of our life, whether we notice or not, at three miles an hour. It is the speed we walk and therefore the speed the love of God walks.”
― Kosuke Koyama
Day 2 of the Camino, and we’re already over twenty miles in. I’m struck by how familiar it all feels. In one sense, hiking is hiking, whether it is Lizard Trail in Crystal Cove, a section of the John Muir in the Sierras, or trekking under the freeway going down to Trestles to surf. So many steps have preceded these, and as much as I would like to think we trained specifically for the Camino, it is also just another stretch of road on our life journey. One step at a time. The same aches and pains. The same weary feet at the end of the day.
And at the same time, this feels so weighty. This road has been traveled for over a thousand years by pilgrims. Each person walking with such intention. Wrestling with questions and doubts. Grappling with loss. Seeking answers.
In my opinion, there is no better way to pray than walking. I love Koyama’s quote about a 3 mph God. Jesus was always walking, wherever he went. And what great conversations they must have had walking those dusty roads together! Sometimes, when reading the gospels, it can feel like Jesus spoke only in parables. But the truth is, they probably laughed quite a bit as they traveled together. I’m sure Jesus complained at times about the heat on the trail, felt exhausted, like he couldn’t go another step further, and exclaimed with joy at the sight of a friend’s home and a welcome glass of wine at the end of a long journey.
Walking is so slow. So human. So ordinary. And yet, at 3 mph, the Spirit has room to break in whenever it pleases. A gorgeous view of the Spanish countryside that makes you catch your breath. Feelings of gratitude for my beautiful wife, Patty walking ahead of me…my travel companion for life. And for each name and face that comes to mind as I walk. Gratitude to be here, to be alive, and to soak in the gift of each moment.
There is a pilgrim motto for the Camino. “My job today is to walk and be grateful.” And I am, so grateful. For each of you and the gift we’ve had of walking the road of life together. For the consolations of life, and the desolations as well. Knowing that, in this life, we never completely attain the fullness of this life. But what we do is press on.
More to come. I sure love you guys!