what if? well, then.

One week from today, the Hubs and I will return to Porto, Portugal. It’s one of the most incredible places we’ve ever had the delight to drop anchor. I’m pinching myself; almost too good to be true!

Have you visited this UNESCO World Heritage Site? Do, tell!

It was in Portugal two years ago we first saw distinctive Camino signage, spotted trekkers at one port of call or another, and heard the click-clack of poles echoing on cobblestones by the sea. That was when I made a decision for the Camino Portugués. My (our) Camino starts in Porto on September 17.

As you surely know — if you’ve been paying the least bit attention! — I’ve had a Camino on my mind a long time. There are many possible routes on the Camino de Santiago — The Way of Saint James. Most end up in Santiago, Spain, as will we, on October 4.

Two routes depart from there, so we’re trekking on to the sea. We’ll finish in Finisterre — the End of the Earth — on October 11. Then it’s back to Santiago, on to Madrid, and home again, home again, jiggety-jig.

That’s the plan, anyway.

Because the best laid plans are only plans, eh? I’ve been reminded of this fact in a rather painful way this summer, suffering acute plantar fasciitis, whereby my training plan went kaput! Along with doctor visits, prescriptions, medical-grade supports, and physical therapy, I’ve also suffered fear and trepidation.

I got bogged down in the what ifs. I won’t bother you with the list. Eventually, however, I was reminded of these essential truths: My God is faithful. His mercies are new every morning. His grace is sufficient for the day. Those who hope in Him are renewed in strength.*

These aren’t just hopeful thoughts; they’re convictions. Uphill and down the decades, slogging the long stretches, He’s proved His Word and power. I’ve far more confidence in my God than in me!*

That includes confidence in His plans over my plans and preparations. That reminder came like a kick in the pants! In turn, I’ve kicked What Ifs to the curb.

What if? … Well, then. I will do what I can do, trusting God to do His thing, too.

Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. James 1:17

These past months, a good part of my work has been heart-work. I shouldn’t be surprised. Three miles an hour is the perfect pace to sort the stuff of life. I was surprised, however, by the amount of sweetness surfacing in my musings, generating gratitude in rhythm with my breath. I’m grateful …

… for those who’ve encouraged me on my journey, personally and professionally, over decades, or yesterday.

… for opportunity to adventure this Way, fulfilling my heart’s desires. Only God knows how deeply that dream was seated. I receive this goodness of God as if wrapped with a birthday bow!

… for the opportunity to see sixty years on planet Earth. Many don’t make this milestone, eh? To celebrate along The Way is beyond precious.

… for the experience of a pilgrimage, with all of its facets. I “know” it will be difficult; I can’t possibly know just how much so! I trust rewards will also freely flow. ;=)

… for the kindness and comfort factor of travel mates I love and trust; for all we’ll glean together along The Way.

… for my husband of 42 years, who rises to every challenge with good humor and incredible grit. Travel, as life, is so much better together.

… for pilgrims I’ve yet to meet and the graces they’ll bestow; for whatever ways I might bless their journey.

… for a hundred other things, big and small, most especially my family, whom I love fiercely; for those who’ve blessed our journey and will shoulder heavier burdens at home while we gallivant hither and yon.

I’m even grateful to be starting this pilgrimage from a place of gratitude — wonky spine, freaky foot and all! I know I’ve done the work as best I could — body, mind, heart, and spirit. I feel primed for adventure and ready for revelation.

Whatever it will be, I know it will be good! Wanna’ tag along?

(1) I plan to post daily, a glimpse of life on The Way. Subscribe now, so each lands in your inbox. Alternatively, bookmark My Camino and check in as you think of it. I won’t be messaging or online otherwise.

(2) If you haven’t watched “The Way” (2010), this is a must-do! Funny, poignant, realistic, and inspirational. Our route is different than in the movie but our experience will be similar. We will attend a Pilgrim’s Mass at the grand Catedral de Santiago and surely hope to experience the botafumeiro! (Watch the movie to see it swing ;))

(3) If you haven’t read Mark Buchanan’s God Walk: Moving at the Speed of Your Soul, I recommend you do. I’m reading it again now — that’s how good. Check this sampling of quotes; many more are highlighted in my copy!

(4) By all means, save or download our Spotify trekking playlist, Walk Your Walk (bit.ly/my-camino). This lighthearted mix will have you lacing up your own cute boots or dancing around the dining room!

Let’s walk on together, friend. Keeping time to love’s heartbeat, we’ll maintain the pace of grace. Godspeed.

~ Sincerely, Sondra

*Scripture to help push past fear & trepidation:

The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22-23)

Your steadfast love, O LORD, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds. (Psalm 36:5)

The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. (Psalm 18:2)

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (2 Corinthians 12:9)

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak…. those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 41:29,31)