The Way
Camino is a Spanish word, that translates as route, path, journey, way, and is used frequently by people around the world to connect with a specific set of roads that lead to “Camino de Santiago”, the pilgrims' route to Santiago de Compostela; the Way of St James. Thousands of people from around the world walk that route on a spiritual, physical and personal journey. It is on the list of adventures I would love to have someday, but for now, I will satisfy myself with my plan to travel with a group of pilgrims through the Annapolis Valley on a journey called Camino Nova Scotia. Fifteen random travellers will follow a trail from Grand Pre to Annapolis Royal in October, a total distance of 110 klm. We will embark on a journey that is physical, spiritual and communal; one open to discovery on many levels. Preparation, at least for the physical part of this is necessary for me, so for the past number of weeks I’ve been on the Sampson trail with my dog each morning.
Pilgrims draw deeply from the beautiful story told in the Gospel of Luke. Following the crucifixion, burial and resurrection of Jesus, as they walk along the road headed to a village called Emmaus, the risen Christ is revealed to two disciples. As they walk and talk together, expressing their grief and disappointment with the way things turned out, their hearts burn within them. Somehow, by sharing their story, they see the Christ through a new lens. It is a wonderful story that has offered deep meaning to so many people, at so many points on their journey through life. Often it is only upon reflection that we recognize the places our lives were touched by the holy.
Maybe it is because I am on the path early, but it occurs to me that each day provides an opportunity for a mini “camino.” The people we meet on the little journeys of life are all opportunities to invite a sacred exchange. In this past week, I had an interesting walk with a man who slept part of the night on a park bench. We talked about what got him to this point. Sadness and heartache are well known to him, and yet there was joy and hope in the new day. Another encounter was with a man who was placing the bench he built in memory of his late wife along the trail. He talked about her gift of music and her spirit. Eternal love was deeply present. Then there was the woman with the Chow chow. She was in town visiting her mom, but the common ground of dog walking connected us for those few moments. There are regular walkers, and people just passing through. The trail is an all ages, multi ethnic place to be. Encounters with the sacred energy we call God are all there too, waiting to unfold.
Perhaps on the many paths we take in life, we might be reminded that God is there in the unexpected, surprising, painful and cherished moments of our journey. I’m thrilled to be joined by you here in the newspaper, but also where our paths cross beyond the printed or spoken word. A faith for today is one we recognize beyond the walls of any church, onto the paths, journeys and routes we take through life.
Rev. Donna Tourneur ministers among the congregation of Trinity United Church and beyond.