St Augustine said,” The world is a book and those who do not travel read only a page.” Perhaps that is the reason I loved to travel so. I was always a veracious reader but for many years I was traveling not knowing where I was traveling to or why. That has since changed as every trip brings me closer to my purpose. I am a pilgrim.
A pilgrim is defined as a traveler who journeys to a foreign land or to a holy place. I realize I am a pilgrim. We are all on journeys of our own; as they say life is a journey not a destination. And as we journey on we grow with experience and wisdom. Hopefully, we learn from our mistakes and rejoice in our success. A pilgrim’s purpose is to transcend this life and return home. Home to the One who made us and lives within each one of us. That is the destination. This is not an easy road. It is full of bumps and detours as well as heartaches and disappointments. Pilgrimages in whatever form they take whether it is nature, a holy shrine or a museum filled with art and treasure whether it is a visit for a day or two weeks helps us stay focused in the journey.
Pilgrimages and travel has helped me to get out of myself. To have the time to stop, see and listen. Time to get out of the routine and recapture awe and wonder. I see myself as being a crusader in search of the divine. No where is this better experienced then on a religious pilgrimage or retreat. When we seek the divine we are not only growing closer to it but we are becoming more like we were meant to be. We experience the beauty and grace of God. It renews and enriches us strengthens our faith and gets us back on track. After a pilgrimage I am able to embrace my life as it is and continue on this trek of change, growth, and true conversion.I return with a renewed sense of purpose and try to bring my experience to others. I also meditate and contemplate the places I have been. It aids my prayer life and in times of spiritual dryness or discouragement I call on these memories and they sustain me. They also help my marriage as I recall the times Mark and I spent together when the doldrums or challenges of married life set in. We all need romance and love.
I have also been enriched by the people I have met along the way and have developed many soul friendships. I have learned to not be myopic in my vision and idea of the world and all the cultures and religions that embrace it. It has helped me see the face of Christ in everyone. This is why I have decided to write this blog. I will discuss where I go, where I have been, and how you too can experience some of the pages of life.
So I invite you to pick up this book and begin reading.
