Hike the mile you are in…what’s an extra 1.7 miles?

I didn’t plan on writing while on El Camino, but day one has proven to be too much not to share. Seven days ago I could barely move. I could not sit or stand for long and I constantly had to stretch and adjust to make it through the day. My walk was more of a shuffle since my stride caused immediate spasms across my lower back. That was seven days ago. Today, today I just finished my first day on El Camino that was scheduled for 14 miles and ended at 15.7 miles thanks to a little detour (I got lost looking for the place we are staying tonight). I came to Spain knowing that I would be lucky to walk a mile, maybe two. I would be in that moment and then grab a transport to meet my group at our next bed down location. I never imagined I could have a day like today. It seems fitting to pull a verse from James since I am on El Camino where St. James walked. “And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up” (James 5:15, NIV).