My pilgrimage journey by Hazel

Last year the idea of pilgrimage was something new to St Mary’s.  Although I had previously been on a pilgrimage, leading one was new for me too.  All through the time of planning it, preparing for it and walking it, as well as the activities that we followed on with afterwards, I felt that God was blessing each part as it all slotted into place.  

Now I believe he was doing something very different to that: he was guiding and encouraging us.  However, I was oblivious to it and made it all quite an effort.

During the past year I have become much more aware of God guiding me.  Pilgrimage in 2014 was an important starter for this awareness, but prayer was the key that changed my relationship with God later in the year.  I have found that walking while praying really helps to clear the mind of many distractions and it’s often as I walk around Reigate that I find God speaking to me.  As a result of this change, my approach to pilgrimage this year was much more about listening to God.  I did nowhere near as much planning and preparation, but listened, always asking the question ‘Lord, what is it that you want to do through this activity?’ 

The difference in the approach is huge and the results are invariably better in many different ways.  Now, rather than thinking of what my approach to something should be, my first step will always be to pray and listen to what God wants to do in any situation.

On reflection, it’s all part of God’s plan.  My role is to listen to him and join in with what he’s doing, rather than thinking that it’s all down to me to sort out.  God can’t be forced into a box that’s been shaped by me.  A number of years ago when I was writing something about my own spiritual journey, I wrote about this poem by Edwina Gateley.  My experiences of pilgrimage have reinforced the need to look for and listen to God outside the church (building and community), as well as within its confines: it’s often in the most surprising places that he speaks.

God ran away

When we imprisoned her

And put her in a box

Named church.

God would have none

of our labels and

our limitations

and she said

“I will escape and plant myself

in simpler soil

where those who see, will see

and those who hear, will hear.

I will become a God – believable

Because I am free,

And go where I will.

My goodness will be found

In my freedom and

That freedom offer to all –

Regardless of colour, sex or status,

Regardless of power or money.

Ah, I am God

Because I am free

And all those who would be free

Will find me

Roaming, wandering, singing.

Come, walk with me –

Come dance with me!

I created you to sing, - to dance

To love….

If you cannot sing

Nor dance, nor love

Because they put you also in a box.

Know that your God broke free

And ran away.

So send your spirit

Then to dance with her.

Dance, sing with the God

Whom they cannot tame nor chain.

Dance within, though they chain your very guts

To the great stone walls…

Dance, beloved,

Ah, Dance!