Open the Eyes of my Heart, Lord

The early morning walk on my day of travel is one of my favorites. These moments of solitude are a treasure to me. The cool nip in the air, the lingering darkness of the night, and the absence of distractions create an atmosphere I long for. This is usually the perfect time for my prayers, a moment I cherish, but today, I am preoccupied with my last-minute to-do list.

I’ve found myself struggling with distractions, particularly the busy pre-travel tasks that stretch on and on. I feel exhausted, and I haven’t even begun my travels. I constantly review everything that needs to happen to be sure I have taken care of my part of the list. In all this busyness, I have forgotten to feel the joy of my impending adventure.

As I climb back into my warm bed, light my bedside candle, sip my coffee, and sit down to begin this note for you, I commence the long-waited exhale.

I have decided that I am done with my lists—I am done reviewing them and thinking about them. Instead, I want to ask, what would you have for me, Lord, on this pilgrimage and sabbatical? It’s been a while since I asked this question, and I missed the joy of pondering those words.

Our plans are simple, yet they fill me with excitement. We leave tonight and will fly to Paris, France. We will rent a car and head to Versailles. Then, we will visit the WWII sites in Normandy for a few days. We will stay in the beachside community of Courseulles-sur-Mer and are excited to explore this area of France.

We will meander to Lyon and then catch a train to Le Puy, where we will begin the Camino Via Podiensis. We aim to explore this region in the most intimate way we know, by walking.

We have a point about halfway between Le Puy and Spain where we may end our walkabout—or we may not. This is the moment the adventure truly begins for me. I don’t know everything that will happen and realize I don’t need to know. I will trust the One who knows my every step, from the beginning to the end. I won’t have a list of what needs to be done or what should happen; I will just be present, embracing the spontaneity of the journey and asking, open the eyes of my heart, Lord!

It’s going to be fabulous.

You are loved.