day 1414: Learnings From The Camino (part 2): Providing

"Then Jacob made this vow: “If God will indeed be with me and protect me on this journey, and if he will provide me with food and clothing..."

It is said that the Camino de Santiago provides its Pilgrim travelers with what is needed.  I don't think this is anything supernatural that is happening but it is more that if we are open and accessible to others we will find that the human condition is very similar and that one man's offerings is another man's needs.  I experienced this on the Camino more than once when I was both the provider and the recipient.  When we are open to the needs of others and willing to give of ourselves, then needs are fulfilled.  I walked nearly 15 miles one day with a stranger who said I was the answer to his needs.  In business we are all needy and we work within environments where many times asking for help is considered a weakness.  How do we get our needs met?  Much of the answer lies in what the Camino has, which is reciprocity. If I am giving, then I am open to receiving.  If I am open to receiving, then I can be a better giver.  More reciprocity in the work place would make all of our work lives better.

In our faith we know that it is not a path, or an act, or an event that provides for us. We know that all provisions come from God.  How He decides to deliver those provisions can come in many ways, and sometimes in ways that feel miraculous.  And we can know that God shows up in the places where no man can provide.  Today, God can provide for us in our offices, on our way to and from work, and in the struggles that we have about our career or relationships.  We need to be more like the Pilgrims on the Camino and be open to our needs being provided for us. For it is when we open our eyes of faith and truly depend and believe, that God will show up for us over and over again.  And, the best part is that He provides not early, nor late, but just in His divine time.

Reference: Genesis 28:20 (New Living Translation)

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