They who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint (Isaiah 40: 31).

By the end of a week on the Camino de Santiago I’m tired.

I’ve walked 10-15 miles every day. Through the morning I limber up, but my knees and hips feel the distance in the evening. I look forward to the close of each day’s stretch when I kick off my shoes and take refreshment. I renew my strength in order to walk the next day.

Life often discourages us, like a long trail to a false summit. I need renewal, and in the Lord resides strength beyond myself, a super-natural lifting. But I must wait and trust. Even if I don’t necessarily feel the strength coming, I take to the trail.

Within the Lord I can walk without fail. I can run and perhaps even fly. The Lord’s strength, infused through the Holy Spirit, pushes me to lengths I failed to believe possible when I started down the long journey of life.

Camino de Santiago 2023

Photo by Robin Ooode

Become wise by walking with the wise; hang out with fools and watch your life fall to pieces (Proverbs 13:20).

Who you walk with makes all the difference.

On the Camino de Santiago I walk with different companions every day. Some in our group I’ve known for years, and I have also met pilgrims new to me along the trail. I discover wisdom among old friends and find wisdom among the new folk if I spend enough time with them.

Wisdom shows in all shapes and looks. Often wisdom grows among those who’ve lived the longest. Give me experience and the scars of life in a leader.

One of the foolish notions of our cultural moment enshrines wisdom among the young. A popular singer once crooned: I believe that children are the future, teach them well and let them lead the way. What foolishness—pity a people ruled by capricious children. It pays to avoid fools (remember bad company corrupts good morals).

Instead, walk among wise people if you really want to get ahead in life. It’s a primary step toward a future fulfilled and contented in the Lord.

Camino de Santiago 2023

Photo: gentleman in a village along the Camino

These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up (Deuteronomy 6:6-7).

As I walk the Camino de Santiago my mind wanders. I think about lunch, then dinner, and snacks in between. I notice another pilgrim’s backpack and wonder what country makes that brand? I worry about the NBA playoffs (as I root for the Denver Nuggets). It’s hard to stay focused.

Which is one reason God gives me something to think about. I keep the commands of the Lord, his holy Scriptures, in front of me, whether I’m sitting at home or walking the Way of Saint James. Even a brief thought goes a long way. If the Word of God is living and active, then a dose every day infects me in valuable ways, and begins to affect transformation in my heart.

If your mind wanders like mine, encourage it to stumble back to the Bible and all that’s contained within. Talk about the scriptures with a friend or within a small group. Write about  them in your journal. Impress them upon your children.

More than sports or shopping to social media, thank the Lord for giving you something solid to think on day and night as you journey through life.

Camino de Santiago 2023

Photo by Aaron Burden

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise (Ephesians 5:15).

The actual walking trail of the Camino de Santiago varies. Crushed gravel makes up parts of the path. In other places you walk on asphalt, or a dirt track, or a concrete sidewalk. At times the way turns rocky, with thick roots spanning the trail. You must keep alert for changes underfoot.

Signs helpfully mark the trail, too many to get really lost. Plus, lots of helpful people will point you in the right direction. But failing to pay attention can cost you several extra miles.

Blisters emerge as the most painful problem when you walk 10-15 miles day after day. A bit of dirt in your shoe leads to days of painful tramping. Wise pilgrims plan to avoid blisters, and have a plan in mind to treat blisters. You really can’t be too careful with your toes.

A great deal of thought goes into preparing for a good experience in the Camino de Santiago. It pays to carefully watch our plans and practices.

In the same way, Paul reminds us to carefully watch our lives. If a week of hiking in Spain requires a great deal of attention, how much more time and energy should I give to my hike through life?

It’s wise to prepare well for a long, tough journey. It’s even wiser to carefully consider our walk with Christ.

Camino de Santiago 2023

Photo – direction post on the Camino de Santiago