When I first
heard of the plans for a pilgrimage from Reigate to Canterbury, I know I wanted
to take part, even if we had to sleep on church hall floors (we didn’t). The idea of doing this, like in the past with
others, appealed.
Preparation
was the key, and on the first (wet) practice walk, my gear was tested, but also
it was revealed that I wasn’t up to the speed of others, so I was thankful that
shorter walks over the five days were arranged. I am grateful to God that I can
walk, following an illness many years ago.
I was surprised
and encouraged to see so many on Reigate Hill to see us off on the journey, and
soon at the Millennium stones, the group was surrounded by curious sheep and
goats. I was struck by and puzzled long and hard on this image, with its similarities
to the Biblical tale.
This was time
set aside to be with God in a more conscious way. More used to the silence and
stillness of retreat, I was broken from my shell of comfort, as the pilgrimage
had a strong physical aspect, making each part very memorable
The walking involved
safe exploration, combined with the thrill of the unknown. Once, inattentive, I
missed the signpost, and led the group downhill off course, and we had to work
our way back. The journey had many elements; there were some long easy broad
paths through beautiful bluebell woods, and occasional grassy slopes with a
view. There were bumpy meadows that hurt
my feet, and downwards paths with loose stones and twigs, where I had to watch
my footing. Sometimes I climbed down a long
flight of big steps to, not long afterwards, climb up another such flight. I do not enjoy climbing hills and was slow up
them, and careful coming down, while others didn’t seem to notice them, or said
it hurts them more to go down. The hardest
stretch for me was in the middle, while the last day was through undulating
countryside filled with orchards just busting into bud. The analogies to the Christian
spiritual journey are obvious.
For myself, I
puzzled on such things as - why did I get asked the deeper questions just as I
was putting all my energy into climbing a hill? As I relied greatly on my hiking
stick, leaning heavy on it to conquer hills, I considered
whether, and how I could cling as dependently to our Father. When I was worried with staying safe and
struggling to keep going on the right path, I found it less easy to think
‘higher’ thoughts. I wondered how those living
far tougher and busier lives, particularly if preoccupied with physical survival,
can find the time for spiritual awareness.
Before the
start of the pilgrimage I knew few details about the members of this eclectic band
of fellow travellers, but they definitely got me through to the end. They kept me moving. My affection and respect
for them would grow and widened. As we shared our stories, it was heartening to
hear how Jesus had worked in them to heal brokenness, and is shaping the present. The psalms
seems a particular inspiration in our morning and evening meetings and saying
the pilgrimage prayer of protection in
demand as a point of unity at the beginning of our walks.
I lost my
mobile phone going over a stile, but because my walking companion rung it, and
then later on, so did my prayer partner – it was found and returned, an amazing
provision.
My awareness of
the need for protection for the ongoing journey as we entered the cathedral at
the conclusion of the pilgrimage, was helped when during the communion service, Hazel
preached, highlighting the shoes of peace and the belt of truth from the armour
of God.
A strong longing
took me on pilgrimage. I desired views (from hill tops) – and there were occasional
vistas. Thankfully, I was enabled physically; I did not fall over and was kept
safe on the walk. I gained a little more
self knowledge, and appreciation of community.
So looking
forward, my prayer is I will follow
Jesus our Shepherd, and grow in the strength and grace of God, so I may serve, albeit unknowingly, others on the way
to journey’s end, like the sheep in the Bible narrative.
