Reflection from Gail

I enthusiastically took part in the previous year’s pilgrimage to Canterbury, and found it was both challenging and rewarding.  While this year’s pilgrimage had similarities, it had its own stimulating and special moments.

I had encountered unexpected and serious health issues soon after the end of last year’s pilgrimage, and so this time, I walked to Winchester as an offering of thanksgiving that I was able to take part in 2015.

I joined the group on Tuesday at Newland’s corner, and the first stop was at St Martha’s Church – the church on the hill. I reflected here, and for the next few days, on the story of Martha and Mary – for I have become too much a Martha – concerned with getting things done, than listening and being  - something the pilgrimage did go on to give me – for those preoccupations are left behind for a while.

As we walked in Easter Week, and saw the new greens of the foliage, the lambs, the yellows in the banks (it has been a great year for primroses), the watercress in clear running water, churches decorated for Easter  –  it was all  a consistent reminder of new life  and new beginnings. In harmony with this, the scripture readings at our daily gatherings spoke of meetings with the raised Jesus and changed lives.

 The walk was in many ways easier than the previous year – less hilly though there were muddy patches and hard bumpy fields. Being in a community of others with a similar aim of pilgrimage, heightened senses and appreciation of the skills and kindnesses of others, while becoming aware of my own rough edges. 

On the Thursday evening, there was an exercise we did that was especially meaningful to me – we had to divide a piece of paper into squares and in the squares, draw things that concerned, or matter to us. I found this surprisingly powerful. It seemed as if thinking had become clearer, having been away from the matters of everydayness.    A clarification of issues to offer to God.

Someone give me this helpful verse:- 

‘Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.’  Hebrews 4:16.  

And going forward, from this pilgrimage, I have gained strength and hope from the pilgrimage, and encouragement that I am not alone on the journey to the Kingdom.

Gail Terry