Last summer, I walked part of the Camino de Santiago de Compostela in northern Spain. I did it by myself, even though I felt scared at the very thought of walking 250 miles alone.
But everything I had read said that if you could do the Camino alone, you would have a much richer and deeper experience. So many books said that when you “group up” or “pair up” with just a few people, you are much less likely to meet new people along the way. Something about being on your own makes people more willing to speak with you, they said.
And so, I worked through the fear I had of being alone and just kept moving forward with the journey. I made my plane reservation. I made sure my passport was up to date. I got all of my gear together. I trained for many months with my pack on my back. I learned to use the walking poles everyone said I should get.
And I did it. It was one of the most powerful experiences of courage in my life. And it was so true what the books said – people were much more likely to talk with me, and I met so many people along the way. So many people. So many powerful conversations. So much learning and spiritual growth.
There is courage in waiting, and there is courage in moving forward. This Advent, take a risk! Be of good courage. God will walk with you.
Rev. J. Elise Brown, Ph.D.
Executive Minister
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