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Thu 11/16
Story
Spiritual Awakening
Based on a story by Angela Arthur Owan
Andrea was trudging through the Arizona foothills, her legs burning with exertion. Doubts swirled in her mind that she would be able to walk the portion of the Camino de Santiago, or the Way of Saint James, that she and her husband were training to hike.
Andrew and her husband, Chris, were to start in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, France, and traverse the majestic Pyrenees Mountains. Their goal was to reach Logroño, Spain, and hopefully to one day complete the journey to the church where Saint James’s remains were said to rest. Though they led an active lifestyle, the thought of such a strenuous trek seemed daunting, yet the allure persisted.
Andrea had stumbled upon an advertisement at a local sports center for a Camino de Santiago preparation class that would provide the knowledge and training necessary to navigate to make the journey. Together they embarked on a journey of preparation.
However, an unexpected oral surgery interfered with Andrea’s training schedule. “Nothing strenuous for eight weeks,” the doctor advised her. “What about hiking?” she asked. The doctor frowned. “Nothing that could raise your heart rate. No hiking.”
Andrea was finally cleared to resume her training, but her stamina had waned. On the verge of exhaustion, she wasn’t sure she could complete that day’s planned three-mile hike. Just as she was about to give up, a magnificent peregrine falcon swooped into her field of vision, captivating her attention and somehow giving her the energy she needed to complete the hike.
The bird reappeared daily, each time drawing closer and lingering longer, its gaze seemingly offering Andrea encouragement. Her steps grew lighter, her spirit lifted by the falcon’s unwavering presence. The falcon’s visits were a secret kept to herself; she didn’t even tell Chris.
On the day before their departure, Chris joined Andrea on her early-morning walk. As they turned the corner out of their cul-de-sac, she saw a black object in the sky. It was the falcon zooming in their direction. As she watched, the raptor folded its wings, tucked its head and shot down the middle of the street like a missile locked on a target!
She and Chris froze. At the last moment the falcon spread and tilted its wings, altering its angle just enough to clear their heads by a foot.
Andrea’s feelings about the pilgrimage were altered by her encounters with the falcon. She wasn’t concerned about finishing it. What was important was the journey itself and what God might show them along the way.
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–Matthew 6:34
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
NIV
Reflect
How will you be present and live in the moment during a busy day?
I will pause what I’m doing and take in the beautiful world God has given us.
I will not focus solely on the future and instead enjoy my present with gratitude.
I will step back from my schedule and to-do lists and take in the bigger picture of my life.
May God’s love encourage and guide your steps today. We’ll see you again soon!
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