Never Walk Alone

Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name. Here on the Camino, we say Never walk alone. After a little while, most of us find a Camino family. We may walk alone for hours at a time, but when we arrive to a local village or town for coffee or to stay, the night there waiting for us is a welcoming committee cheering us on, waving us to a table, a place where we're known. Have you ever stopped to think about where we get this from? I'm getting older. My hair is gray. Sometimes when I pass a shop window, I can catch my reflection. I stop in my tracks because I see my father like it's uncanny. I think this is the same with God and humans. The Bible teaches that we're made in God's image, reflecting his character and his nature. God exists in loving community with himself, father, son, and Holy Spirit. So for me, when I feel welcomed home by my Camino family, at the end of each day, it's like I'm seeing God in the window of the local shop. I seek community because I was made for community. I long to know God because he longs to be in community with me. Paul felt the same way about his friends and Philippi saying, for God is my witness, how much I long for you with all the affection of Christ Jesus gracious God, thank you for the family and friends we made on this journey with hearts full of gratitude. We thank you. Thank you for the strength to support each other, to walk side by side. May we always remember this journey and the blessings of this family. Ah, amen.