I’ve now been walking for 24 days. In some ways it feels like it wasn’t long ago when I started at Pamplona, known for the “running of the bulls” and in other ways it feels like a long time ago that I left Cookeville and then New York.

It’s been a good walk. The Lord has provided so much along the way, food, shelter, interactions with strangers who became friends, lots and lots of beautiful scenery, mostly rain free walking, and now as I sit in the sunshine, warmth from the sun and little wind! AND, thank God, no blisters!

The Camino is known as a pilgrimage, and I think in many ways you can make parallels with the Christian walk. Both the Camino and the Christian life are difficult, challenging, rewarding and is to be led by God. I am beginning to imagine how I will feel when I arrive in Santiago and receive the Compestella, a certificate that shows I’ve completed the walk. I don’t know how I’ll react but I think there are parallels between receiving that Compostela and arriving into Eternity. In both cases the Pilgrim will hear “well down” you’ve made it. And in both cases, it can’t be taken away. If I arrive in Santiago, it will be an accomplishment that no one can take from me. So very much more that is true about arriving in Eternity.

With this in mind, 150 miles to go does seem that far. According to forecasts the weather is supposed to be nice, sunny and warm over the next several days, I hope so! But even if not, as pilgrims we will press on to Santiago. How sad to come this distance and then not be able to complete.