We are in our final days of preparation before we head out for the Camino! It’s hard to believe it’s almost here. Thanks to good friends who will care for everything while we’re gone, we can leave with secure hearts. We were even able to file our taxes before we leave. That, also, is a huge relief.
And yet, I’m having trouble sleeping. Sigh. In the midst of all my excitement and clear belief that God is with us and is blessing this trip, I’ve been worrying about whether or not I’ll be able to physically manage the tough ups and downs of the mountains. It doesn’t matter that I’ve been training and am in decent shape or that I’ve already managed two previous Caminos with no serious problems! Somehow, I’m worried that I won’t be able to do it this time. I also find myself worrying about bedbugs! I FEAR bedbugs. It doesn’t matter that I’ve never experienced them before … I’ve heard stories and know that it is a possibility in any of the albergues that we’ll be staying in. I recently read an article that talked about how bedbugs can hibernate for months and months until someone steps foot into the room. The first breath of carbon dioxide evidently wakes them up! Yikes! I also worry about the whole bathroom situation … will we find a place if and when I need one? Again, we always have before. Why am I letting these worries overtake me?
These anxieties remind me of one of my favorite scriptures: Deuteronomy 30:19, “I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you … may live.” This is the challenge. When I am faced with the unknown or difficult situations, what do I focus on? Will I allow the anxieties and fears to unnecessarily burden me or will I choose to believe and trust — in myself, in others, and especially in God? God doesn’t promise that our life will be easy or without pain. But, we are assured of God’s presence with us through it all. In that we can trust. God’s presence changes everything.
I choose life!
And, I will combine my faith with practicality — I’ll do my part and trust God to do God’s part. I’ll continue to train until we leave. I’ll bring along a tiny spray bottle of bedbug spray along with a bedbug sheet. I’ll even pack a small roll of toilet paper “just in case” … and I will remind myself that God and Charlie will be walking right alongside me. Whatever the challenges, I won’t be alone.
I’m feeling sleepy now.
~ Terri
Top photo taken by Charlie Geiser of a mural in Cartagena, Colombia
Bottom image from pixabay free images
Comments
6 responses to “I Choose Life!”
You can do this ! My experience has been before a big trip, there is a bit of apprehension. Well, we are on our way to Spain/Portugal. It has been more peaceful since our flight is later in the evening.
Blessings & Peace to you and Charlie ! Enjoy this time of serenity and focus on being a witness and being witnessed to.
Howard
Have a great trip! We’ll be thinking of you as we hike and are in the same country!
FWIW, I have had bedbug bites several times and found them annoying, but no worse than mosquito bites and gone within a day, and I never noticed them until the next day. Of course, experiences vary. And I have not experienced a fear of bedbugs and that is much more difficult to deal with. Fears are generally not susceptible to logical solutions.
God goes with you.
Thanks, Peter! That’s encouraging … I think my fear has to do with something waiting to feed on me … kind of like the impact the movie Jaws has had on me when I’m in the ocean!
Thank you for your honesty! I also have had way too many nights ruminating….with no good outcome. I pray you will find peace and joy in this journey. May we all choose life!!❤️
Thanks so much, Jeanette!