Still walking
the spiritual practice of paying attention and putting one foot in front of the other
Welcome to Walk & Talk, my monthly newsletter to share stories, inspiration, and hope. I’m Kim Knowle-Zeller, mama, pastor, and writer. I’ve lived in West Africa and one summer hiked 500 miles across Spain, and now I call Cole Camp, MO home with my husband, two children, and dog. I love to walk, talk, and share stories. Thanks for being here!
July 5, 2008 - Day 33, Arrived in Santiago, 20 km
I have arrived! My only thought this morning was getting to Santiago. The skies cooperated with beautiful breaking clouds and blue skies. What a reunion with pilgrims who I met along the Way! What joy. What exhaustion. What peace. What a journey!
Of all the pilgrims I’ve reunited with in Santiago, they are all very happy. Joy is in the air, smiles abound.
It’s good to be here. Tears came as I stood outside the Cathedral. Tears came as I walked in the cathedral. Tears came as I sat. Tears came as the pilgrim worship took place. Tears came as I watched pilgrim after pilgrim arrive. All of us together. All of us pilgrims. All of us arriving.
Being in the cathedral brings me peace and quiet. I visited the relics of St. James and cried there too. It is indeed a holy place. Maybe it’s true - St. James has been waiting for me. I made it to Santiago but could not have done it alone. The community of pilgrims, the communion of saints, friends and family, God, and the power of the Way of St. James all guided me. There are so many unseen arrows that show me the way. I pray that I continue to open my eyes to the yellow arrows in my life.
During dinner as we all said cheers someone said, “Now the real Camino begins. Buen Camino!”
July 2023 —Cole Camp, Missouri
When I looked at the date for sending my monthly newsletter - Wednesday, July 5th - I knew I wanted to share something about my time walking the Camino de Santiago in Spain. Fifteen years ago I set off to walk 500 miles over the course of 33 days. I’ve written about the Camino here and here, and also have one black, moleskin journal filled from that summer. Yet, years later I continue to unearth lessons from my time walking.
A few weeks after I arrived in Santiago, I started a year-long pastoral internship in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The fruit of the year came in claiming my call to serve as a pastor in the Lutheran church. This summer, too, I feel like I’m on the cusp of something new. I’ve been away from serving full time in the church for over six years; this coming fall both my children will be in school full time. The question comes: “What are you going to do with your time when the kids are at school?” With just one word (do) it feels like this new season must be one of throwing myself into working full time again. Yet, these last few years reflecting on vocation have taught me that it’s not so much what we do, but what kind of person we want to be. It’s asking questions of what do I love and what makes my heart sing. It’s reflecting on where the community has a need and what breaks my heart. It’s asking who am I in this season and in this particular place? And through it all, it’s trusting that God’s Spirit is with me nudging me along and whispering to me: You are loved no matter what.
Sometimes I wish I had a plan for how I’ll spend my days next fall, but then I realize that’s not the point of this life of faith. Pilgrimage along the Camino taught me to expect the unexpected. Life is about being open to where the Spirit leads. Life is about accepting the here and now. Life is about being present. I don’t have to have a plan, just one step, an open heart, and the God who goes with me.
If you’re wondering what’s next for you or are wrestling with how God is calling you forward, take it slow. Take one step and then another. For most of us, we’re not counting the miles to find a place to sleep for the night or limping from blisters. We’re not carrying all our possessions on our backs.
But we still walk. We still search. We still pray. We still stumble.
In putting one foot in front of the other, day after day, we’re walking not alone, not walking towards something or someone, but walking within the kingdom of God.
Buen Camino.
My Favorite Things
“However you’re praying—with words, sighs, or tears—God hears you. God hears the whispers of your heart and the screams from your gut. Wherever you are and however you feel, look around and see God’s people inviting you to pray. For your life is a prayer.” We’re delighted an excerpt from The Beauty of Motherhood was featured in Gather Magazine!
Speaking of The Beauty of Motherhood — the ebook of The Beauty of Motherhood has been accepted as Amazon Kindle Daily Deal for July 12. The price of the ebook will be $4.99 for 24 hours on that day!
Thanks to our friend Cara for this interview about writing, parenting, and The Beauty of Motherhood.
I’m always on the lookout for ways to incorporate prayer in our family. The Ignation Examen is one such practice I’ve turned to throughout the years and this piece describes how overwhelmed parents can bring prayer into the ordinary days.
Are you trying to figure out the logistics of reading in the summer (especially with kids underfoot)? My friend Krista compiled a great resource with practical advice on creating a joyful reading rhythm.
What I’m Reading
A Place to Hang the Moon by Kate Albus. A heartwarming story about three siblings, evacuated from London to live in the countryside, looking for a permanent home--and a new meaning for family.
Any of my pastor friends looking for a great book on balancing care for yourselves and your congregations? My friend Liz has a new book out: Only Work Sundays: A Laidback Guide to Doing Less while Helping Your Church Thrive.
What I’m Cooking
With multiple trips to the strawberry field, I was delighted to find a use for all those tops! We’ve made homemade snow cones and drizzled the syrup on pancakes and waffles! It’s also a nice treat added to sparkling water.
This new cookbook, The Plated Pantry: Make Food You Love With What You Have, is a wonderful addition to your kitchen! I’ve long since wished I lived closer to Brittney so she could cook for me, and now with her cookbook, I can learn from her and prepare easy and delicious meals for my family!
So grateful for you, friend! I’ll be back in your inboxes the first Wednesday in August!
P.S. I have a favor for those of you who have read The Beauty of Motherhood. Would you be willing to write an Amazon review? They are so helpful for getting others to know about our book! Anyone can review on Amazon whether you’ve bought the book from them or not. Thank you!
This was really beautiful and exactly what I needed.
Thanks for the lovely reminder, Kim, that we are not walking alone. Praise God for that.