Carrying your fears

I recently re-watched a documentary about the Camino called, Walking the Camino: Six Ways to Santiago. It follows six people from different countries as they walk to Santiago. It is said that everyone has their own camino.  Each person's story and struggles and insights are a unique mix for them, yet all the elements are commonly found on the Camino. Everyone experiences the pilgrimage differently, but it turns out many of us need to learn the same lessons. One almost universal lesson is about the extra baggage we

carry around with us all of the time. This baggage becomes a tangible reality when you are carrying it on your back. In the documentary, one person says that we "Carry our fears."

 We bring lotions and potions and ace bandages and extra clothes and sleeping bags and gadgets just in case we get hurt or bit by a snake or bored or the weather is horrible.  All of that adds up to a lot of weight to carry with us. A lot of it seems necessary and prudent.  We always hear that it is wise to be prepared (the good old Boy Scout Motto). I guess I am trying to find the balance of thoughtfully preparing well and just trying to cover any possible difficult or painful situations that might or might not occur. Most people end up leaving items at the hostels along the way or mailing extra things to Santiago. They realize the inherent freedom  in carrying less and trusting that they can cope with or be given what they need as the situations arise. I am sure that this will be the case with me.  I wonder which items I will decide to remove from my backpack before I leave and which things I will let go of as I walk. I wonder what new sense of freedom I will feel when I learn how little I need to survive and thrive. 

I think that in our society we often accumulate lots of things to help us feel secure and in control. We don't want to be bored or disconnected or out of the loop. We think peace of mind can be purchased. Sure, some things can bring us some security, but we actually have a lot less control than we think. 

In Luke, Jesus tells his disciples to not be anxious about their lives, about what they shall eat or drink or wear. For life is more than food and the body more than clothing.  God takes care of the birds of the air and he will take care of you as well. And he says, "Which of you by being anxious can add a cubit to his span of life?  If you are not able to do as small as a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest?"

I want to live with the knowledge that I am loved and cared for by God. I want that delicious freedom from anxiety and the need for control. I want to walk with open hands to receive whatever blessings God has in store for me. I know that blessings often come packaged with difficulties and challenges, but I welcome that as well.

The apostle Paul learned this lesson amongst much hardship and he writes in Philippians 4:4-8: 

"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let all men know your tolerance. The Lord is at hand. Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."

So, I am going to try to let go of things that weigh me down, that are oppressive and not meant to be carried, and instead open my mind and heart to the goodness and blessings from God and those around me.