Distance: 17.8 km, Easy
The fear of every pilgrim is the development of blisters along the Camino. After such a long journey yesterday, our feet are surely sore. Soreness, though, is different from blisters. Soreness reminds us that we’ve worked our muscles (remember Day 3’s reflection on our bodies?)
Blisters, on the other hand, are a sign of agitation and friction. They develop when our shoes don’t fit right, when there’s added moisture, or when repetitive motion causes irritation. The first sign of a blister is a “hot spot” as the skin begins to feel wear and signals that the protection it offers is being weakened.
In the spiritual life, there are numerous things that can cause blisters. Think of the things that irritate you. The things that when you sit to pray preoccupy you. Hot spots that surface when your attitude goes south. What rubs your soul and irritates your spirit? Is it a person, a place, a situation?
The best way to provide relief from blisters (actual and spiritual) is to air out the affected area. Spiritually, this may mean bringing the irritation to prayer and offering it to God. “God, hold this with me so I don’t have to.”
It also may require creating a cushion to let the irritation heal. In the spiritual life, this sometimes means trying to see as God sees or changing the rhythm of our prayer. If a person is a blister in your life, what would it mean not to simply pray about them, but to pray for them? How does this shift in perspective and prayer affect your feelings? Where does God lead you in such a prayer? Do you feel resistant to this? If so, why? Share this all with God.
Today, “air out” your blisters with God. See if taking the perspective of God turns down the heat of irritation. Try praying for whatever irritates you and causes distress. Jesus wants to cushion you and keep you walking on the path to holiness and wholeness. Addressing the things we get hung up on is a critical step on that journey.