Inner Pilgrimage

“For even though our outer person gradually wears out, our inner being is renewed every single day.” (2 Corinthians 4:16 TPT)

The Camino de Santiago is a network of trails ending at the tomb of St. James in Compostela, Spain. Pilgrims have been walking this famous route for centuries. It takes over a month to complete the 500-mile journey on foot. Day after day, hikers trudge through muddy trails and hills carrying large backpacks with all their essentials. They stop at local churches, resupply rations at towns along the way, and sleep in cramped hostels. I have been doing a virtual version of this trail. Every day I log the miles I do on a website which shows my progress on a map. I get to see photographs of scenic places along each stage. It doesn’t match the physical experience of hiking and sleeping in an unfamiliar country, but it does have its own benefits. I can sleep in my own bed every night, and I don’t have to carry a backpack all day. 

The word ‘virtual’ implies something that is not legitimate. We equate things that are physical and tangible with reality. Thus, external, visual experiences are oftentimes assigned value over interior journeys. As we move through each day--caring, working, serving, listening, connecting--an inner pilgrimage is taking place. These local paths allow us to expand our consciousness, seek meaning, and find purpose. There is much to be discovered in the unknown recesses of our soul. The sacred journey into the depths of our being can be transformative and invaluable.