Is it a pilgrimage?

And so, back to the question at the start of the blog - is it a pilgrimage?
Although it wasn't planned in this way, it does seem as though all of my preparation to walk, the walk itself and the few days that there have been since my return have all been pointing towards this morning when I was collated and inducted as Vicar of St Francis and St Mary's churches in West Wickham.  I didn't think that this would make any difference to me, and practically, I don't think that it will.  However, I have a real sense that it was in that service, which began at St Mary's and continued at St Francis', that God was there confirming what I had reflected on at the start of my walk: that in giving myself up to God's grace and the peace that Jesus brings, all things are possible.

Two things seem to have been important throughout:
Peace (which reminds me of the prayer of St Francis - Lord, make me a channel of your peace ...).
Trust in God (which reminds me of the conversation between the Angel Gabriel and Mary, when she committed herself to serving God - Luke 1:37-38 : '… nothing is impossible with God.' Then Mary said 'Here am I, the servant of the Lord ...')

So, I believe that my pilgrimage started in a sacred place: St Mary and St Francis' churches, and it finished in the same sacred place, but the pictures now are of the insides, rather than the outsides of those buildings.

Here am I

Isaiah 6:8 - ... the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" And I said "Here am I; send me!"
During the week I went to the photographic exhibition by Jim Grover celebrating 25years of ordination of women to the priesthood. 

https://www.here-am-i.com/
Reflecting on the sacrifices that have been made by the 12 women whose stories are told in the exhibition and the way in which God provides all that's needed, in seemingly impossible situations, is a good reminder to me before my Collation and Induction tomorrow, that all will be well. All I need to do is to discern God's will through prayer and then join in with whatever he's doing.

Feeling blessed

Numbers 6:24-26.
Reading through my journal from the past few days makes me recognise how much of God was in the walking and finding the right places and times for rest. Each time I remembered this I felt the inner peace and calm that only God can bring, even in difficult times. And so it becomes possible to find a positive side to the situation whenever we turn towards him and let his light shine.

Thank you everyone

It's been great to have so much encouragement.  Before I left, as I've walked and on my return too.  Thanks for all those messages sent, prayers said and posts shared, as well as cards and other things sent to spur me on.
Particular thanks to John and Olivia for visiting me on Monday.  I kept it a secret at the time, but I had a lift in the car from Southease to Alfriston (approx. 8 miles), as well as a lovely afternoon with family.  It obviously took its toll on John!

As well as giving my feet a rest, I gave them some weight from the rucksack (the laundry).  I don't think I could have done the following day (climbing over 2,500 feet) without their help.

Walking finished

Great to have completed the South Downs Way. Relaxing in Eastbourne at the moment.
Pilgrimage not yet complete though, as there's much to reflect on.

Current location

Lunch at the top of the Seven Sisters.

God is here

Matthew 18:20 Where two or three gather in my name, there I am with them.
There are so many places along the way where God is present to those who know him. But even for non-Christians a place can speak of God, such as all the churches that I have visited. I am now connected with each of these in some way - by writing a prayer to be said, signing a visitor book, lighting a candle, or speaking to someone I meet there.

I'm also connected to other communities where I've met someone and shared something about who I am and what I'm doing.
And my prayer is that through this blog, I can be connected with still more people. All it needs is a comment about what I've been reflecting on and God can be brought into a situation. Let's leave his mark in more places along our journey of life.
Off to the pub now to see if I can leave a mark there ...