Takeaways from Spain
Today, after 40 days in Spain, I depart. It’s been a terrific experience—one that has exceeded all of my expectations. As I transition to some other locations in Europe before returning home next week, here are a few takeaways from my experience:
When the time comes, I’m going to enjoy retirement!
I love Europe—especially Spain. I really thought I’d be homesick by now, but I’m not. There’s a simplicity to life and a social rhythm that most Spaniards embrace, which we often lack in America.
It’s time to start writing again. I haven’t felt free to write for the past decade, but I sense the Lord telling me—it’s time.
I am blessed beyond measure. My time away has reminded me how fortunate I am to be surrounded by family, two wonderful boys, and a myriad of friendships. I have an incredibly loving church family that respects, cares for, and prays for me. I have a wonderful life in Arizona. And I have a newer person in my life who is bringing me much joy.
Freshly squeezed OJ is a thing here. I’ve had one or two glasses every day. It spoiled me. I’m going to start drinking more orange juice when I return home.
I want to find someone in the SCW workshop to build me a custom-made kneeling bench for my home.
I’m going to start memorizing more Scripture. I found that one of the most centering practices during my Camino was reciting verses—internally and verbally—as I walked.
So many people are seeking. Seeking love. Seeking purpose. Seeking discernment. Seeking God. And many who are seeking aren’t even sure what they’re seeking. What these seekers need are people who are willing to patiently and lovingly walk alongside them to help them process the journey. They don’t need lectures or trite answers. They need people to walk with them and graciously help them discover what they’re searching for. If you read the Gospels, you’ll see that Jesus, as a general pattern, was very stern with the religious folks but incredibly patient with the lost and the seekers. Too often, Christians flip that script. As a result, we lose our witness and miss opportunities to model the love of God.
I feel so fortunate to have been born in America. I interacted with people from 35 different countries on the Camino. They could all speak English, even though I couldn’t speak their languages. Many were fluent and had incredible vocabularies. It’s a huge advantage when traveling—one that most people don’t have.
If you plan to travel outside the U.S., be aware—the currency exchange rate is brutal right now. If you live outside the U.S., it’s a great time to come visit us.
With so much time to think and process my life, there’s one thing I am absolutely sure of: the best decision I ever made was surrendering my life to Jesus. Not just for eternal reasons—but for the here, the now, the present. He is my rock and fortress, my guide and my strength. He is my joy and the lifter of my head.
