We are all on pilgrimage together, and each of us is on our own pilgrimage.
We share the path. Sometimes it may appear that we are headed in opposite directions, or even pushing each other out of the way. Some of us act like they might own the path, but we are sharing.
The path of my pilgrimage is personal, and uniquely mine. I can tell you what I have seen and the lessons I have gathered along my way, but I cannot draw a map of your path for you.
The places where I have learned the most on my pilgrimage have not been paved and gentle. I have arrived at some of them suddenly, after long stretches of easy rambling in the sun. Some of them have been pointed out by the people with whom I share the path after I have ignored or missed seeing them for some time.
Part of being on a pilgrimage is learning when and how to share well. Some of the people I meet are focused on what is directly in front of them. They are not interested in receiving what I have to share, even if I think it might be helpful. Some of them are busy holding onto all that they have already received, and cannot carry any more.
Part of sharing the path well is knowing when to get out of other people’s way.
People do not really need special equipment to take a pilgrimage. Much of what a pilgrimage is about is letting go of what you have already carried far enough.
It is more helpful to be a good neighbor, a good fellow-pilgrim, than to be well equipped.
What has your pilgrimage given you to share?
Who is sharing your path?
[Image by Richard Masoner / Cyclelicious]
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