Dear Pilgrim,
A reflection for the Start of Lent
Hey friends!
We have officially entered the season of Lent — a season of confession and reflection. It is the 40 days (minus Sundays) before Easter, where we wander together in the wilderness. A season where we can let go of everything that weighs us down.
For last several years I have been intrigued by Pilgrims who walk the Camino De Santiago (the Way of St. James). There are many routes throughout Europe. Some of them are over 400 miles long, but they all end up at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain. Pilgrims who take this journey share about the transformational experience of walking this distance and breaking bread with strangers.
I watched a video not long ago about a Pilgrim who has completed the Camino De Santiago more than once, and she was giving tips on how to prepare. She said this —
Most people pack for their fears. If you fear getting sick, you will pack medicine. If you don’t want to get wet, you will pack a raincoat. If you are afraid of blisters, then you will pack bandages. After a few days of walking, you realize that your fears were irrational and heavy — so you take out all the extra stuff that weighs you down on the journey. We call it offloading.
We pack for our fears.
This is a beautiful metaphor for the season of Lent. In life, we pack for our fears. We hold onto SO MUCH stuff that weighs us down. These 40 days in the wilderness are an opportunity to examine what we are carrying.
Do I need this?
Does this give me life?
How much is this weighing me down? Holding me back?
When is the last time that I used this?
An act of simplicity.
Richard Foster said in his book, Celebration of Discipline, “[Simplicity] has nothing to do with abundance of possession or their lack. It is an inward spirit of trust.” (p87)
Lent is journey of trust.
Dear Pilgrim,
What do you need to offload this Lenten season? What is weighing you down? As we journey together in the wilderness, do you trust for God to provide? What practices would help you process these questions? How much time are you spending in silence? Do you enjoy the journey or do you rush to the destination?
I’d like to walk slow with you these next 6 weeks and maybe notice some things we’ve never noticed before. It will be a means of grace, an act of trust.
I’ll share my thoughts and noticing-s each week, and you will be invited to also share in the comments. My hope is that we will learn from one another. My prayer is that we will feel a little lighter once Resurrection comes.
always grace,
Amber Lea