So this thinking of mine began with a co-worker sharing some thoughts on walking, being a pilgrim and the way we move through our daily lives. To start I must say thanks to him for starting the thought process – Thanks Josh!
A pilgrim is primarily defined by Webster’s New World Dictionary as simply a wanderer. This I must admit took me by surprise when I decided to look up the word and concept of pilgrim. I expected more, an explanation of the religious significance of traveling to a holy place or a reference to those who landed at Plymouth in the 17th century. (These definitions do follow as second and third in the dictionary, so Webster’s did not disappoint)
And wanderer is defined, again by Webster’s, as one who roams aimlessly, or rambles. So does that make sense then as part of the definition of a pilgrim? Pilgrims, to me, are those who have a specific destination in mind, an individual who left one place to travel a difficult or arduous path but always with purpose or intent. But then again as I sit here in anticipation of my second year of campus ministry, I reflect on the year that has gone by so quickly. At times I felt very much like a wanderer and not a pilgrim. I felt as though there was so much going on that it was difficult to fix my path and aim my way through it all. In some way I felt I did ramble through the lives that were placed before me and that my intentionality in meeting others where they were was very lacking.
One of my favorite quotes for many years and especially for my first year of ministry is from J.R.R. Tolkien. “Not all who wander are lost.” To me this very comforting and reflects that there are times in our lives when God calls us to wander, to go far from what we have known and where we are known. And in the midst of that we know that there are things we are called away from and things we are called towards.
When a pilgrim wanders along his path, he is called away from comfort and the daily convenience of knowing his work, where he will rest, eat and be at home. He is called away from the ease and familiarity of companions long known. He is called away from home. In the midst of all this wandering though, the pilgrim is called towards things as well. He is called towards a new community of fellow travelers, new experiences and deep gratitude to those who are hospitable and gracious. His is called towards a dependence and faith that his journey will bring change and transformation to his life and others.
I believe and think that after a year and a few months of campus ministry. I recognize what God has called me away from and I see now more clearly what the wandering is calling me towards. I am grateful and excited to see the way I may wander this coming year. The lives and the stories that I will meet as I walk the path before me.
