The Uphill Way

I have been asked 'why a pilgrimage?'
There are a number of reasons - I think the important one for me is that it is an opportunity to spend time with the Lord God. After 20+ years of parish ministry, a period of time away from the demands of phone, text and e-mail will give me the chance to listen in prayer, instead of coming to God with my daily 'shopping list'!
There is also the learning curve of having to spend time with companions and people not of my choosing! (O.K. it may be a bit like parish ministry in that respect but at least I do not have to walk with them - only listen to their snoring at night!)
The sponsorship is very worthwhile but not the foremost reason for undertaking something that becomes more and more scary as the time to leave approaches!
The title to this page is from the poem by Christina Rossetti - if you cannot remember it - here it is in full. Speaking about the pilgrimage of life not just the road to Santiago de Compostela.


Uphill -- Christina Rossetti

Does the road wind up-hill all the way?
Yes, to the very end.
Will the day's journey take the whole long day?
From morn to night, my friend.

But is there for the night a resting-place?
A roof for when the slow dark hours begin.
May not the darkness hide it from my face?
You cannot miss that inn.

Shall I meet other wayfarers at night?
Those who have gone before.
Then must I knock, or call when just in sight?
They will not keep you standing at that door.

Shall I find comfort, travel-sore and weak?
Of labour you shall find the sum.
Will there be beds for me and all who seek?
Yea, beds for all who come.