The Pilgrimage Waypoint
Pilgrimage is the title of the final waypoint that guides the pilgrim to embrace the lifelong journey to live their lives well to the end, finishing more in love with Jesus at the end than they were at the beginning. Tony Horsfall says, “In the spiritual life, the journey is as important as the destination. What happens along the way really matters, and it is God’s intention that we enjoy the journey we are on.” Pilgrims often want to quit along the Camino de Santiago, as do many Christ-followers in their life’s journey. It has been challenging to stay committed to Christ’s mission on my pilgrimage. I’ve had plenty of opportunities to quit, get off track, or continue half-heartedly. I’ve needed encouragement from God or others that continuing the pilgrimage is a worthy goal because it can be hard! Having a lifelong perspective has been crucial as I consider my whole life’s journey and ask what I need to continue well to the very end. It’s not just about someday… my choices today matter.
Horsfall gives an excellent summary of a life pilgrimage, saying, “I have come to the conclusion that there are four key aspects in this journey to spiritual maturity. The starting point is a true experience of grace, leading to a place of intimacy with God. Once we know what it is to be close to God, we want to stay there and learn to abide in Christ. Abiding in Christ inevitably leads to fruitfulness of life, which is the true indicator of spiritual maturity.” So many of us want to jump to fruitfulness and maturity without consistently doing the work of intimately abiding in Christ. I have not prioritized intimacy with Christ well at every step of my journey, but looking back, I see that the Spirit has faithfully guided me in His grace to deeper, abiding intimacy with Him. And it is interesting to see how this journey has morphed through the years.
As you look back to your teenage years or 20s, do you see a difference in how you pursue intimacy and abiding?
Terry Walling is a mentor who has journeyed well to his 70s, and I’m so grateful for his investment in me. His book Stuck! has been a great resource to help Christ-followers not get stuck in their lifelong pilgrimage. He examines three critical life transitions and how Christ-followers can navigate them with growth and hope! “Failure to navigate these formation moments has contributed to men and women, like you and I, shrinking back from God’s best.” Find companions to walk the pilgrimage with you, read the signs, give encouragement, and guide you through the foggiest parts!
What do you need to adjust in your life today to continue the journey so that you’re more in love with Jesus and more passionate about His mission at the end than you were at the beginning?
SONG: We like to leave you with a song today called Hymn of the Holy Spirit by Pat Barret to help you ponder listening to the best guide on your lifelong pilgrimage.
Check out one of these favorites mentioned above if you want to read to further deepen your pilgrimage navigation skills.
