Pilgrimage Into Soul

December 1, 2023

Some embark on a spiritual journey without knowing what draws them. At such times, our soul needs something, even if we are not conscious of it. And we know that only a particular place can provide it. Once in these places, we will likely see what drove our soul there.

I am privileged to know a dear soul who felt the call to ministry years ago. She was a young woman, a bank vice president who’d worked hard for such a prestigious position. She was well respected in her town, had an active social life and had many suitors. Time and time again, she dismissed her inner pull toward ministry. Finally, internal tensions were so great she had to get away from it all.

So, my dear friend vacationed in the Grand Canyon where, by herself, she hiked it from rim to rim. She had a treasured turquoise ring that she wore during her four-day hike in the blazing Arizona sun. It was so hot that she feared dehydration and wanted to turn around. There were times she’d lost her way and was scared. There were dark and dangerous moments when she felt vulnerable to the elements, to animals and insects. The hike was a pilgrimage into the depths of the canyon, and into the depths of her soul where, in the heat, she wrestled with fear and desire.

Regardless of obstacles or intimidations, she kept her eyes on her ultimate destination. When she got to the other side of the canyon, she noticed her turquoise stone had completely changed in color. She attributed this to the intense heat inside and outside her body.

After the pilgrimage, she understood what her soul had longed for. She received the much needed clarity about pursuing seminary. For this dear soul, the dramatic change in the stone signified inner transformation. But the transformation of the stone and of her soul required the heat of spiritual alchemy. On some level she knew where to go for this to take place.

This dear soul’s lifelong ministry is ongoing and many, including me, are fortunate to know her beautiful and courageous openness to the Divine.

Inquiry: Think of a journey you made without a specific conscious intention. Did it result in an essential spiritual insight or transformation?

Dear God,

I am so grateful for this gift to my soul. Amen.

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