Why?
Cause I can, cause it’s fun, cause I was made to, cause I want to.
The question of why was asked. I’ve heard from some pilgrims that they knew why they were walking the Camino: to find God and to maybe change. Well what if that person doesn’t look for God? And what if they don’t want to change? Is that really their “why” then?
If you don’t chase a goal is that really why you’re here? If a man loves a woman but doesn’t pursue her does he really love her? If Jesus sent earth a text message saying, “Hey, btw I <3 u.” Would we still be celebrating Him? If you want something don’t you seek it? If you love something wouldn’t you give your life for it?
The Camino isn’t over and neither is life. Asking why everyday is an opportunity to be someone different. “Why?” Is like opening my eyes and seeing an exit off of the road I’m on: I can change or I can stay the same – no pressure. To say I want to change and not take the exit, not do something different, is to stay in the same lane. The turn signal is on but I drive on by.
I have two legs. I am young and physically capable. These are resources. I believe in using my assets to their full ability. Walking brings a rush of natural dopamine; especially after a large hill. The sun feels good on the skin and I read somewhere that the best way to bond with a new friend is to busy yourselves with a shared task. I’ve never been to Spain or a country with another language. I’ve never walked for miles across cities and countryside and lived as a pilgrim. I wanted to try it.
Because I can, because it’s fun, because I wanted to.
I was made to. A microwave has a purpose: to heat things. If the microwave tries to behave like a food processor then there will be many broken plates. In the same way I have a body and mind for a reason, I can use them or I can not. The Camino is my attempt at using both. A wise friend of mine told me that time will either promote me or expose me. I sincerely hope that after all this work I am promoted as a man who learned and not exposed as one who missed an opportunity.