The Unencumbered Life

We are back in Rota, enjoying some down time before we begin our homeward journey. We are staying in an apartment on the beach near Cadiz. We have stayed here before and appreciate the seclusion and its proximity to the sea. We have the entire upper floor of the building which houses a three bedroom apartment. Our balcony is huge and overlooks the sea. There is a little market up the street and we are able to get a few provisions to sustain us. There is no wi-fi except for the occasional moment when we stand on the lower terrace with our hands and devices in the air looking for a signal. It is but a fleeting moment if we are able to find it at all. We have no car nor is there anyplace we wish to go. The weather, which is usually exceptional and warm, has been inundated with the most beautiful lightening and thunder storms I have ever seen out on an ocean. The winds so fierce we could not leave our house even if we wanted too. We are secluded in this haven. We want for nothing. The blinds are up and the storm windows closed. Our companions are the sounds of the wind, rain, thunder, and the crashing of the waves as they pound on the sand and rocks below us. We have each other and we have solitude.

I have found there is beauty in solitude. It is one of the elements of my life that I have not cultivated or enjoyed nearly enough. In these moments I reflect upon the last few months and contemplate what God would have for me. I found myself thinking time and again of a seed pod I had seen in both Portugal and Spain. It had held my interest because of the way the pod was encased and held to the plant. The thing that encumbers it, while having the appearance of a stronghold, actually is very fragile and with the slightest movement or change it could be free. It just doesn't know it.

I have had many miles to contemplate this and began to wonder what it is in my own life that encumbers me. Could it be the expectations and limitations I have set up for myself? Am I fearful of what I do not know and do I fret over what I can not change? Am I capable of freedom from these things with just a mere shift in my direction and thoughts? I like to think that I can embrace the freedom of change without discomfort but there are times that I have not.

Over four hundred miles to walk and pray about this. Each day I have had the opportunity to put into practice the foundations for living a truly unencumbered life. I am reminded of my life on the trail. When I awake I do not need to be in full control or know all the details or the outcome of my day. If I seek Him I know I will be exactly where I am supposed to be. I know I will rise, and in this case, head in a northerly direction. I do not need to fret about what might be ahead or the things I can not change. I know that I will be okay no matter where my path may lead or what unforeseen storms come my way. Sometimes the road before me will be hard. I will still be okay. Peace and kindness surround me and I will find what I need if I am willing to seek Him in these matters. When I am attuned to His Spirit I see the many ways He cares for me. These gifts are intentional on His part and designed to bring joy into my life. I do better if my load is light and I do not carry a heavy burden.  Each day the sun will rise and set without any intervention on my part. I just have to be free to enjoy it.

So I think of the seed pod. Encumbered by chains that hold it captive, surrounded by freedom a breath away. I am really no different unless I choose otherwise. I long for the unencumbered life and so my journey continues.

We are heading home via Washington DC, Tacoma Washington, and then on to Travis. We are excited to be home. A warm fire, a pot of soup, and time with you as we share life and look forward to all that is yet to be. You are loved...Buen Camino.