The count down has begun.....

The packs are packed--after being unpacked and the contents spread out for examination.  It's not really all that much when you look at it but it still adds up to some weight!  And then there is the element of surprise.  What will the weather be like?  How warm, how cold?  Will there be rain and wind and fog?  Unfortunately the answer as to what to take is always the same:  whatever you are willing to carry!  Layers are a long distance walker's best friend. 

In our day to day lives, we'd like the burden to be light yet still be prepared for any event.  Isn't going to happen.  The more we get ourselves in a tangle about having something for everything, ironically the more burdened and frustrated we become.  Jesus says to us:  share my yoke-the burden is light.  When we work together rather than in opposition to one another, the work is indeed made lighter.  When the work is spread among many according to their gifts and talents, there is synergistic creativity and much more is accomplished than the task at hand.  So often what we take on as unmitigataed burden is our fear.  I consider how freeing it would be to take one change of clothing, no additional sandals, no fleece blanket--three or four pounds at least of stuff!  Would I?  Could I handle a pack so much lighter?  No problem!  And yet could I handle the possiblity of putting on the same wet, not very nice smelling clothes day after day?  Could my feet handle no change in footwear?  Can I trust that anytime it is cold, there will be a blanket available?  See what I mean about letting go and trusting?  Sounds good in theory but it is so hard for us to practice.  When we travel with little, it means we have to revise our expectations.  Still a few more days to consider what is necessary.  A few more days to consider how open I am to trusting the Camino to provide what I truly need rather than what I desire.  Lord, grant me wisdom and patience for the days ahead.  Help me see what I need to leave behind and what I need to take up.