Tears and Fears and the Providence of God

I am spending this Sunday afternoon alone. Dennis is driving Zachary and his two older brothers back home. His brothers were here visiting their family in the area and so it served the purpose well that Dennis drive them all back together. That is a trip of two hours one way. I stayed behind because I needed to complete laundry and begin packing for this week’s training. And also because I’ve been on the verge of tears all weekend. I think I’m sitting on my Pity Pot. I just need to remember to flush… 

Dennis and I recently committed to going on The Walk to Emmaus. The Walk to Emmaus is a spiritual renewal program intended to strengthen the local church through the development of Christian disciples and leaders. The program's approach seriously considers the model of Christ's servanthood and encourages Christ's disciples to act in ways appropriate to being "a servant of all." 

Our event is scheduled in latter March. Honestly, it appears as if everything is and has been conspiring against us in this endeavor. We’ve been asked for a number of years to participate, but we always found a reason (read excuse here) not to. However, with recent family turmoil and events we felt it was time. Time to step out in faith and perhaps to receive a “word” from the Lord on what direction we are to take and what definitive steps we are to follow.

After determining to attend this event, we went to see a move called “The Way.” The Way is a powerful and inspirational story about family, friends, and the challenges we face while navigating this ever-changing and complicated world. Martin Sheen plays Tom, an American doctor who comes to St. Jean Pied de Port, France to collect the remains of his adult son (played by Emilio Estevez), killed in the Pyrenees in a storm while walking the Camino de Santiago, also known as The Way of Saint James. Rather than return home, Tom decides to embark on the historical pilgrimage to honor his son's desire to finish the journey. What Tom doesn't plan on is the profound impact the journey will have on him and his life. Through Tom's unresolved relationship with his son, he discovers the difference between "the life we live and the life we choose."

THE WAY was written and directed by Emilio Estevez and was filmed entirely in Spain and France along the actual Camino de Santiago. The scenes are breathtaking.

I heartily recommend the movie and it’s a three tissue event. Frankly, I needed a good cry. It was also a confirmation to me that indeed, we were to attend The Walk to Emmaus – another spiritual pilgrimage of sorts.

I probably won't be updating until I return from training, so have a wonderful week.

Luke 24:32New American Standard Version
 

They said to one another, “Were not our hearts burning within us while He was speaking to us on the road, while He was explaining the Scriptures to us?”

Tamara