At various points along the Camino de Santiago the traveler comes to a signpost reading Complementario, with an arrow pointing off the main trail. The pilgrim then chooses whether to move ahead, or take a chance on an unknown passage.

The complementary routes might take you by some Roman ruins, up through dense woods, or through a field alongside a herd of cows. Many are not as well marked as the main trail. Some are longer, while others provide a shortcut. You just don’t know what you’re getting. I’ve taken many, some I enjoyed while others didn’t seem much different from the main road.

Life gives us complementary signposts. Some of our decisions mirror those on the Camino. Shall I go this way or that? Either path gets me to my final location, albeit one might be longer than the other. Of course, major decisions may swamp us as we mull over the options. Stay with the direction I’ve started, or choose a complementary way?

I’m reminded of this teaching from King Solomon: In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps. I plan my way through life. I have ideas and blueprints. But often the Lord presents a complementary direction. It’s not wrong, it’s just different. The Lord may have wonderful, undiscovered treasures waiting. Or, the Lord may send me though a field of cows for some unknown reason.

Either way, remain open to the signposts in life, and don’t be afraid to take the Complementario route from time to time.

Proverbs 16:9

Photo by pilgrim David Preston