Today, for those of a faith other than Christian, is the Epipihany, when the wise men came to the realization that the baby Jesus was indeed the Christ!
Whether you’re Christian or not, you have had an Epipihany. Some would call it serendipity, others a “flash” or a thought as out of the blue. Call it what you will, you may have expected it, but now it’s come face to face with you. What will you do?
The reason behind my being on this forum is because I’ve been drawn here. Before I even knew there was a Santiago-Today, I knew there was a Camino. Finding you makes My Camino no longer a new and different thing I want to do, but rather it’s become something I want to share. Who then do I want to share it with?
I recently purchased “The Way Without Within”. It moved me in a way I can’t put into words without becoming a blubbering idiot. I gave it to my Daughter to watch. Her comment was, “Dad, something else about your trip!” I didn’t take offense, because both my children know I’m a person that sets his sights and then accomplishes what he sets out to do. Remember, this is the same Daughter that chided me when I didn’t tell her I was in the mountains training. Tell me you’re training (that’s in the present), tell me about the Camino (that’s when it’s completed).
Those of you that have already completed one, or more Caminos, know that the Camino can change one’s perspective. It may change the way you relate to God, or not. It may change the way you look upon and judge your fellow man. It may be as mundane as the realization that changing your socks every day arrests blisters. But we all take away from the Camino…what we, here on the forum, have called Our Camino!
Before I’ve even set foot on the Way, I’ve met fellow travelers that have already seen the Milky Way up close and personal. They’ve been awed by the majesty of the Pyrenees, astonished that the miles move faster than they could have imagined and, felt “changed” in some way that they can’t quite put their finger upon, but they know it’s there. I do know this: I cherish all the advise, coddling, direction, misdirection, and common sense shared on the forum.
Now, back to My Epipihany, I’ve always said that I’m on this Camino to do penance for past faults and sins. I remain committed to that premise. But to come closer to the point, I have an ever growing feeling that I belong closer to the Church. Our Parish is currently without a permanent Pastor. Today, on this Epipithany Sunday, we held a Communion Celebration rather than taking part in the mystery of the transformation of bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ. As a youth I thought I wanted to become a priest. Instead I became a warrior. In all those warrior years, I stayed close to my God by serving him as well as I could.
Here is my Epipihany, I want to come back from My Camino strengthened in my desire to serve. I want to challenge myself in both body and spirit to seek a better way for myself, my family and my Church. I know I am up to the challenge and that I am strong in my belief, but weak in my being. I seek answers and an affirmation that what I seek is indeed what is God’s plan for me.
Buen Camino
Arn
