I’ve spent the past week in recovery from daily hiking. Recovery activities have included laundry (in a MACHINE!!); short jaunts of exploration by foot (couldn’t quit cold turkey, of course); strapping myself into metal tubes with strangers for stretches (contradictory verbiage) of 3 to 8 hours over the course of a 31-hour day; and thoroughly confusing all body systems with regard to circadian rhythm.

The last two days have been spent sitting in another metal box, but this time with four far from strangers. We’ve sung at the top of our lungs, howled at the full moon rising over Lake Erie, gawked at glassmakers, and marveled at pixelated fall colors dotting the Catskills. We’re on our way to Albany, to fill the van seats with five more. Mom and Dad will sit in the front and use the rear view mirror to count to five, with 3 grandkids sprinkled into the mix.

And my heart will be full. ❤️

On the eve of the start of my 30th year, I am reflective.

I’ve experienced much, but seen little.

I’ve thought often, but rarely understood.

I’ve learned much, but known less.

I’ve scrutinized details, but missed themes.

I’ve met many, but loved few.

I have received much; more than I deserve.

What have I given? Much less than I should.

Lots of sad things are happening in our world today; lots of horrible, awful things. Things that make me want to cover my ears and my eyes and to hide my face, to pretend they aren’t real. But that’s not what adults do (and according to my niece, anyone over 12 is an adult, so I guess I’m stuck with adulthood). And that’s definitely not what Christ followers do.

I’d naively hoped that my Camino would help me learn how to heal the world, to live out my purpose.

Nope.

But I’ve learned that people are created for good. And more often than not, they want to live out good.

Life is not about wealth, or fame, or status, or even experience.

Life is about relationship.

Relationships which, I think, stem from our relationship with the Creator.

Tonight, while riding through a dark NY countryside, I am reminded by the uninhibited singing of a five-year-old nibling how I might start relating:

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Love people. Pray for and act on opportunities to love others. Reach out to let someone know they are cared about. Give hugs, high fives, fist bumps, hip checks, secret handshakes. Smile broadly and often. Compliment others without restraint. Call a friend you haven’t seen in a while. Send a note via snail mail. Drop a $5 where it might make someone’s day. Be unreservedly kind.

Do good.

That’s what I’ll wish for when I blow out 29 candles.

💙