Joel’s Pilgrimage
Joel’s pilgrimage started at the southern border of Iowa. His family was there to see him off!
For this month’s blog post, I have a special guest writer! He is our son, Joel Watters. I hope you are inspired by what he has to say as much as I have been!
Last May, I walked across Iowa.
Ten days, 300 miles.
Me, with a backpack full of provisions, and endless country roads.
The idea was slowly birthed from my enjoyment of
adventure, a deep need for space with God, and a
longing to pray.
A pilgrimage seemed like the perfect way to unite the three.
In a few short months, my wife, Rachel, and I were
to assume a new role with InterVarsity Christian
Fellowship, leading ministry across the state of
Iowa.
I sensed the need to seek God and entrust Him with what was ahead.
Within the first few miles, what began as a pilgrimage for God became an invitation to
receive from God. He changed me, but not the way I expected.
The greatest source of the transformation was not in the accomplishment of crossing the final border, it
was not through enduring and overcoming the physical demands of the journey, it was not even
primarily in the hours of spiritual exercise and prayer along the way.
What changed me was slowing down.
So ingrained in my being to rush from one thing to the next, so rooted by our culture to
achieve and accomplish, and stay busy, it took me nearly 2 days to realize I was rushing
and actually slow down.
Here, Brian is helping Joel set up his tent for the night. The next morning, he joined Joel for his first seven miles of the day.
Ironic considering I was alone, without an agenda,
and my only responsibility was to arrive at my next
campsite.
As I lightened my pace and gave up
control, something amazing began to happen:
I became more mindful of the world around me, of
God’s presence, my thoughts, and the state of my soul.
It was in the absence of that hurried pace that God
began to speak to my heart and reveal his love
for me, his love for others, and his love of this land.
There was freedom to linger and to enjoy the beauty before me.
There was space to behold God and enjoy him, and for him to enjoy me.
There is no doubt this is the way of Jesus.
He consistently made time both to retreat with his Father and to make space for others.
He went away in the morning to pray.
He stopped and turned towards the bleeding woman who touched the edge of his cloak.
He waited three days to visit Lazarus, who was to die.
He lingered on the beach and watched Peter fish for the chance to love him one more time.
A paralytic was placed in his midst, interrupting his sermon, and he gracefully received him and brought life to his legs.
His unhurried and interruptible life birthed the kingdom, allowing others to experience the mercy, healing, and love of God.
Joel’s pilgrimage ended at the northern border of Iowa. His family celebrated with him.
The question that lingered in my mind, as my
journey grew to a close, was whether this rhythm
of a pilgrim was compatible with the world I was
about to reenter.
What impact could it make on me and my
relationships with God, my family, and those in my
community?
And the answer?
It hasn’t been easy. Many days, I run to and fro with an endless schedule.
My steps have been small, unnoticed by most.
I ride my bike to work, leaving the greatest means of hurry in the garage.
I linger with my patient in the clinic who needs to share their story.
A sunset brings me to a stop, just to enjoy.
I pause before bed to write and reflect.
As I intentionally hurry less, I have experienced those before me in new ways.
Slowing down has created time to listen and brought space to serve and to bless.
Joel also invited me to walk seven of the 300 miles with him. I was deeply honored and delighted to participate. Our time together was the highlight of my year, bless his heart.
Life is less about me and more about others.
I pray more and have sensed a growing love for my family and community.
My prayer for myself and for you is that we continue living in small ways the unhurried life of a
pilgrim, to see each day as an opportunity to journey with Jesus, to lay down our lives for
others and to deepen our hope and trust in the one who is always walking with us.