Wisdom from the Trail: The Joys & Challenges … and Tips for the Second Half (JWAG Digest)
Hello friends,
You’ve made it to the second half of the journey—congratulations!
Every long pilgrimage reaches this point.
The beginning euphoria has worn off, and you’ve fallen into the reality of putting one foot in front of the other. You’ve had some “aha” moments and others that have fallen flat. Maybe you’re a little tired or bored.
If so … welcome. You’re exactly where many pilgrims find themselves.
Whether it’s a new eating plan, exercise plan, or a spiritual growth endeavor, it’s hard to stay committed for the long haul.
If there is one thing that I learned on the Camino pilgrimage, it’s how important it is to regularly pull over and take a break. Have a glass of wine, savor some delicious crusty bread, and chat with a few fellow pilgrims. Before long, you're picking up your walking sticks again, refreshed and ready for the next stretch of the trail.
So imagine yourself today—sun-tanned, carrying both the joy of what you've accomplished and a few bumps and bruises from the journey—gathered around a table with fellow pilgrims. If you compared notes, the conversation might sound something like this...
What Have You Learned?
That there is a gift in the heroes of the faith I had no idea existed.
That there's more to God than I knew before I started.
How to live my faith more fully because of how my giant lived theirs.
That even the heroes of the faith had spiritual mentors who shaped them.
What Have Been Your Greatest Joys
When a quote or example from my giant's life comes to mind just when I need it.
Watching my giant become more than a historical figure—a lifelong spiritual friend.
Learning new truths about God that I hadn't understood before.
Seeing my giant's spiritual practices become part of my own relationship with God.
Stepping more confidently into what God has called me to do because of my giant's example.
What Has Surprised You?
That walking with a person of faith could be so instrumental in my own walk with God.
That this journey would influence my work, family, and relationships—not just my devotional life.
How encouraging it is to discover my giant's weaknesses and realize they were ordinary people who faithfully followed an extraordinary God.
That after many years of being a Christian, God would bring me a fresh way of knowing Him.
What Has Been Difficult?
Finding the time to stay consistent.
Remembering what I read and needing to revisit it.
Feeling like a spiritual schmuck compared to my giant.
Finding a rhythm that works for me.
Staying committed to a year-long journey.
Oh friend, I hear you!
After walking with giants for years, I've experienced many of these same challenges. So let me put on my sherpa hat for a few minutes and offer a few trail tips that have helped me.
Trail Tips
When Time is Short
This is by far the most common challenge—and it's completely understandable. We all want to do more than real life allows.
Plan less than you hope to accomplish each month. Life is full, and steady, small progress is enough.
Remember, you don't have to work on your journey every day. It's perfectly fine to spend time with your giant on a few days each week.
Set a timer for just 10 or 15 minutes. Small investments of time add up over the course of a year.
Take advantage of creative ways to learn on the go through audiobooks, podcasts, or visiting places connected to your giant.
Remembering What You Read
If you find yourself rereading sections you've forgotten, don't be discouraged. That's normal.
Instead of feeling frustrated, celebrate the opportunity to slow down. There's no prize for getting through the most material. Depth is always more valuable than breadth.
You might also experiment with changing when or where you read. A different time of day, a favorite chair, or a quieter location can make a surprising difference.
Feeling Like a Spiritual Schmuck
Comparison has a way of stealing our joy.
Remember, you're often seeing the "Facebook version" of your giant. History tends to polish people's lives. Behind the scenes, they wrestled with fears, failures, doubts, and weaknesses just like you.
Be aware of the enemy's schemes. He loves to convince us we're inadequate so we'll stop moving forward in what God has called us to do.
Instead of running from those feelings, invite the Holy Spirit to unpack what's beneath them and bring healing or growth.
Finding Your Rhythm
By now you're probably realizing there isn't one "right" way to walk with a giant.
That's one of the beautiful freedoms of this journey.
The only way you can do it wrong is to leave the trail.
Keep putting one foot in front of the other. Follow the inner prompts of the Holy Spirit as you decide what you want to focus on each month, and what materials you feel led to use. Trust the Spirit is guiding you along the path He has for you.
Staying with the Journey
We're not used to year-long journeys.
Most Bible studies last six weeks. Some stretch to three months. Committing to spend an entire year with one spiritual giant is unusual—and that's exactly why it can be so transformational.
Deep transformation takes time.
The benefits accumulate little by little, often without us noticing. In the second half, those benefits start mounting--as the harvest ripens from the seeds sown during the first.
So, if you’re feeling weary, enjoy this Season of Play. Walk in a fresh way with your giant through an audiobook or experiment with a spiritual practice or a hobby they enjoyed.
Then come back in September ready for the final stretch. You may even want to invite a friend to join you for these last few months on the trail.
So grateful we’re walking this trail together.
Your fellow pilgrim,
Lori