“This is what the Lord says:

‘Stand at the crossroads and look;
    ask for the ancient paths,
ask where the good way is, and walk in it,
    and you will find rest for your souls.’”

Jeremiah 6:16, NIV

Armed with my Nikon camera and trekking pole, I begin my journey on the rocky dirt trail. Rocks jut the surface and roots of trees snake into the path trying to trip me up. I wind through the trail and notice the right side of land has tapered off into a valley where statues of rock show the wear and tear of erosion by wind and rain. Later, I come upon a river as the path winds with it. I stop and watch the diamond like sparkles of the sun’s reflection on the water.

I love the discovery of sky and earth with each twist the path may take me. Maybe I will see the clouds part and cast a ray of soft light through the trees. Maybe I will see a beautiful flower basking in the sun’s warmth. Maybe I will see calves eating grass alongside their mommy deer. The trail could lead to a stunning waterfall view. Or the trail narrows and becomes steep up the side of a mountain with a sheer cliff view below. There are many trails and many possibilities.

Likewise, there are several routes and several possibilities in our lives. I chose the name “Sacred Journey” for my spiritual direction practice to honor the journey each of us makes in our life.

We are all sojourners on a spiritual pilgrimage.  All of life is spiritual.

Each life is a sacred gift and what we chose to do in our lives can be for the glory of God…or not. We have the freedom to choose. The paths that stretch before us are unique specifically to our journey and based on the choices we make.  The possibilities are endless.

There are times when the terrain is narrow and rocky, spacious and easy, or barely a pathway at all. Your path may converge along others’ or remain solo for a time. Each path is unique and takes us as far as we are willing to go. We walk towards God, or we may walk away from Him. Sometimes we carve out a new road or find ourselves on a path you never intended.

Wherever your spiritual pilgrimage takes you, the journey is uniquely yours. We each have a sacred journey to take.

Embracing the Unknown

Fear of the unknown often paralyzes me. I get stuck on the path unwilling to continue my travels. And while that may be okay in the short term, I can’t just make camp in the long run.

In the animated movie Finding Nemo, Dory tells us to “just keep swimming.” I learned to just keep walking.

Life is a journey filled with unpredictability and uncertainty. It often feels like you are embarking on a grand adventure without a map or a set destination. There was a time in my life when I felt lost, disoriented and unsure of my next steps ahead. I took baby steps till I trusted my footing. I saw a new path that I discerned God was guiding me toward and I had to pray for courage to take this path.

We can learn to embrace our sacred journey. We can trust God and accept the unknown as a part of life.  I often find beauty in the mystery. Instead of fearing the uncertainty, why not see it as an opportunity for growth and self-discovery?

Trusting Your Path

Trusting your path is an essential part of crafting your destiny. It’s about having faith in the journey, even when the road ahead seems unclear. The path may seem rocky and steep, but faith helps us to endure and see the amazing view in store at the next turn. Embracing your sacred journey means understanding that every twist and turn has a purpose, leading you to where you’re meant to be.

Empowering Your Choices

There are times when I allow excuses to derail the path I want to take. I’m too old to get a master’s degree; I don’t have the money to get that certificate; I don’t have the talent to do this or that. Thankfully, instead of making excuses and creating blockages in my own pathway, I empowered my choices. I forged a new path. I enrolled in a graduate program. I saved money to get a spiritual direction certificate. I’m starting my own business.

Crafting your destiny requires making conscious choices that empower you. It’s about taking ownership of your life and embracing the power to shape your own reality. Every decision you make, no matter how small, has the potential to steer your journey in a new direction. By recognizing the impact of your choices, you can actively participate in the creation of your destiny.

Embracing Resilience

Life’s journey is not always smooth pathways beside still waters. It’s filled with obstacles, challenges, and moments of doubt. Embracing your sacred journey means embracing resilience in the face of adversity. Just like a tree standing strong against the forces of nature, resilience allows you to weather life’s storms and emerge stronger than before.

Finding Purpose

Crafting your destiny involves discovering your purpose and aligning your actions with your core values. It’s about finding meaning in every experience and using it to fuel your growth. Embracing your sacred journey means seeking out opportunities that resonate with your soul, leading you closer to a life filled with purpose and fulfillment.

Embracing Your Sacred Journey

Ultimately, embracing your sacred journey is a deeply personal and transformative experience.   Each step can lead us to our highest potential. You can find the courage to walk your path with an open heart. The possibilities are endless. Trust in God and just keep walking.

“Pilgrimage is deeply rooted in the soil of the human soul. Life itself is a pilgrimage, and although most people recognize that they are on a journey, many travel without consciousness of their destination.”

Christian George, Sacred Travels

Please subscribe to my newsletter.

Sacred Journey – Thought, Word & Deed (katierea.com)

Sacred Travels: Recovering the Ancient Practice of Pilgrimage: George, Christian, Miller, Calvin: 9780830835027: Amazon.com: Books