After hours on flights, in airports or on the metro underground, I emerged to a beautiful 73 degree bluebird day in Barcelona! If you know me you know how much I love being outside and to walk up the steps from the subway to this view made me so so happy! It took the edge off 24 hours with no sleep.
I was able to see the famous cathedral here in Barcelona- Sagrada Familia. Construction was begun 135 years ago and they are still working on it. Its magnificent! I love visiting old churches, cathedrals, temples, and houses of worship. This one did not disappoint.
Side story – I had a ticket to see the cathedral tomorrow morning. But a week or so ago they canceled it saying there was a group event. So I took a chance that I would get in. But when I got there -not tickets left for the rest of the week. And just as I was turning away a young woman asked if I needed a ticket. Her friend had canceled last minute. It all works out.
I was able to spend time praying there in the cathedral. And I wondered around in awe.
But I kept feeling like there’s something I should be working on. It’s so hard to just be, isn’t it?
Here I am on a sabbatical/spiritual renewal and I feel guilty for enjoying today. Like this is supposed to be a rigorous pilgrimage not a leisurely day in Barcelona! This is how my brain works.
As I was preparing for this trip, my hikes got longer, harder, and hotter! And at some point I became super focused on the finish line. I found my self hiking a long trek in 95 degrees and wondering why I was doing this. Then I realized I had lost sight of the purpose. The reason for this Camino was never just to get to the end in Santiago, it was to enjoy, learn and be fully present to God and the journey itself.
So that day I just stopped and sat on a bench u til I could get some clarity. I slowed way down, stopped to smell the wildflowers, literally, and found some peace. Then the difficulty of the walk had purpose. And I felt a shift. It’s so mush easier to hear God when you quit listening to yourself.
Today I had to remind myself again to slow down, be in the moment, fully present to myself and the world around me. It was the most wonderful day.
Tomorrow I’m doing a walking tour of old town before I catch a train in the afternoon. And I’m going to enjoy every slow moment of it.
Grace and peace. Tina
Sagrada Familia
Tina, I so appreciate you sharing all this! After your post today, I will be sure to take, at minimum, my peaceful minute as I read your post! Love and peace to you! Lisa
What awesome insight! Love and miss you my friend!
I’m glad you made it safely. Get some sleep and enjoy the experience and good food. I forgot to tell you, but in case you didn’t bring any, be sure and pick up any foot care things you need while in the city. Almost everyone gets blisters on the walk. Treat hot stops quickly. Good tape and ointment will be your friend.
Thanks for sharing, Tina! The reminder to slow down and take it all in as you process comes at a time I needed to read it. Godwinks abound!
Nancy V
So happy to see you have arrived and begun shifting to a new state of “be”-ing. You will love this quote from John Muir: ““I don’t like either the word [hike] or the thing. People ought to saunter in the mountains – not ‘hike!’ Do you know the origin of that word saunter? It’s a beautiful word. Away back in the middle ages people used to go on pilgrimages to the Holy Land, and when people in the villages through which they passed asked where they were going they would reply, ‘A la sainte terre’, ‘To the Holy Land.’ And so they became known as sainte-terre-ers or saunterers. Now these mountains are our Holy Land, and we ought to saunter through them reverently, not ‘hike’ through them.”
Praying for you every step of the way.
We were fortunate enough to visit the Sagarda Famalia on our trip to Barcelona. It was so awe-inspiring and magnificent! We were like you as we walked through it admiring the architecture and beautiful glass windows. Just before we left they had a group singing Ava Maria (my mom’s favorite) and I literally stood there with tears running down my face. The acoustics were as beautiful as the architecture.
I pray you enjoy your journey and find the quiet moments of worship and God’s beauty along the way. Prayers for strength and safety. – Kimberly Looney
Such beautiful pictures! Look forward to your posts each day Tina! I will be praying for you during this once in a lifetime experience.
Wishing I was with you or walking alongside… my plan was to do the Camino this year but surgeries have left me a bit unsure if I can ever make it. I know that God will be speaking to you along the way, and know we are praying for you as you go.
Buen Camino,
Ronnie & Roxy
Just love Sagrada Familia! I couldn’t believe the blood, sweat and tears of many that have gone into building this magnificent place! I enjoyed seeing it a few years ago and walking down the many steps. A great way to start your journey and a place to worship before hand! Definitely need pastries and paella in Spain! Baguettes, croissants and cheese in France!
Praying for you on this spiritual journey! May it be amazing!
Sweet thoughts from a sweet lady on a blessed pilgrimage! ❤️ Russ and Marian
“It’s so mush easier to hear God when you quit listening to yourself.”
Thank you Tina. I needed to hear this.
I look forward to following your journey. Thanks for sharing it with us. Love you!!!