Finding Hope on the CaminoSample

Backpacks

You probably did a lot of planning before you embarked on this journey. You may have physically trained months in advance. You could have arranged flights, car rentals, hotels, and equipment, like new boots, tents, or backpacks.

It didn't seem to matter what you put in your backpack when you were at home. But now that you have to carry it, you realize how much those things weigh, and you're conscious of how many of them you could do without.

As you meet people along the Camino, it's guaranteed someone will offer you a gift you will have to refuse because you know how every ounce adds to the burden you must carry. You will have already discarded valuable items you are tired of carrying, so that sweet gift will be a curse, and you know it.

On the Camino of life, we all carry backpacks. At times we add things--worry, hurt, and other emotional baggage, carrying more than we should. So much so that we come to a point where the junk we carry prevents us from moving forward.

What do you unnecessarily hold on to? What can you remove today to make your journey easier and more enjoyable?

In Matthew 11:28-29 Jesus said, "Come to Me ... for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." That's a pretty appealing invitation, isn't it? Rest for our souls? Really? Who wouldn't want some of that?

As you walk today, make time to ponder the extra burdens you may have been carrying for years. Perhaps you've tried things to rid yourself of those weights, but nothing has worked. Instead of asking "what" can help, try asking "who."