Another year, another journey
After weeks and weeks of real-world planning, our virtual journey is on its way. To those who are joining us, welcome!
You know that saying that you often hear? The one that talks about life as a journey, not simply a series of destinations? Truth be told, there are days when you just want to get “there,” wherever “there” is on that particular day. But every once in a while, opportunities arise for us actually to enjoy the journey—the time, effort and energy that it takes to achieve a particular goal or accomplish a specific task.
For me, the virtual pilgrimage is a little of all of the above, in addition to being a great way to keep the deeper, inspired meaning of Advent and Christmas in sight. Those of us who like to shop enjoy the deals and steals of the holiday season and the socialites among us will likely attends lots of parties and other gatherings over the next few weeks.
I’m looking forward, however, to checking www.georgian.edu/pilgrimage each day for a bigger, world view of the sites and cultural icons that make our world a more interesting place. Reading the scriptures provided there also forces me to stop, listen and reflect on God’s word at a time when the temptation is to be busy, busy, busy. Our shared experience—albeit only Day 1—moved me to search the Web for a pilgrim’s prayer. One of the top hits:
God of the guiding star, the bush that blazes
SHOW US YOUR WAY
God of the stormy seas, the bread that nourishes
TEACH US YOUR TRUTH
God of the still, small voice, the wind that blows where it chooses
FILL US WITH LIFE
God of the elements, of our inward and outward journeys
SET OUR FEET ON YOUR ROAD TODAY.
MAY GOD BLESS US WITH A SAFE JOURNEY
MAY THE ANGELS AND SAINTS TRAVEL WITH US
MAY WE LIVE THIS DAY IN JUSTICE AND JOY.
Amen.
That simple prayer, one of thousands you can find on the Internet, sums up my personal take on this new beginning.
What does the pilgrimage mean to you? Do share!
—- Gail Towns
I have traveled a number of times in my life and often find that the journey is the destination. Each day of this treck I am asking myself to remember the spirit of the Christmas season and to ground myself in the purpose. To stop, look and listen to what you are experiencing as part of this journey. I am grateful to have awoken this morning in London and to be here with all of you.
In Mercy, the Spirit Faith will root us in God’s Presence.
In Mercy, the Spirit Hope will lift us out of doubt.
In Mercy, the Love of God will be our joy in living.
In Mercy, we join with another on our journey.
I finally came to this virtual pilgrimage site and entered my first miles. I am telling myself “It is never to late to participate” to justify my entry today. It is a great opportunity for me to learn about actual pilgrimage. Thank you to all whom contributed to the creation of this virtual journy!!