As I return from my journey of the Camino de Santiago, I find myself missing the phrase pilgrims exchange to each other—Buen Camino!
The words mean good way or good journey. As pilgrims we cheerfully encourage each other as we meet along the trail, sit down to eat, or go to bed in the evening. Buen Camino sticks in your head and gets in your blood.
I like this catchphrase better than have a nice day, or stay safe (which particularly sets me on edge, because who ever did anything interesting by staying safe). Enjoy a good journey reminds us that we walk into an unknown future, and we hope the best for those on their way. Sending a friend off with vaya con dios (go with God), carries an equally powerful sentiment.
It was said of King David that he walked before God in faithfulness, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart. Those are strong qualities for a journey with the Lord. Perhaps a meaningful send-off springs from those attributes—may you go in faithfulness, righteousness and uprightness of heart.
All said, I will miss declaring Buen Camino! If you and I happen to meet and it slips out, please humor me. The practice will fade, but hopefully the deeper message it conveys will carry on with those I encounter in the future.
I Kings 3:6
Photo from my archives
Buon Cammino! (Italian version)