11 years ago, my partner, our young son and I walked 250 miles of the Camino
(a pilgrimage route through north Spain).
We prepared for the challenge well, building up stamina by walking our local hills, weighted rucksacks on our backs, and learning a bit of Spanish in a family evening class.
Truth is, I struggled with the latter, as I don’t seem to be wired up for language learning.
However, an even bigger challenge awaited me.
The Camino route is marked by a series of yellow arrows painted on any available surface at crucial turning points. Keeping on track is therefore simple – you just follow the ‘Yellow Arrows’.
Yet it wasn’t that simple for someone like me who can have a tendency to want to know what’s happening next.
Like the Red Arrows display team, I like to know my position, but the Yellow Arrows of the Camino encouraged me to ‘go with the flow’, and I discovered a new freedom.
Nor was it simple for someone like me who can be a bit of a perfectionist.
Like the Red Arrows, I allow myself no margin for error, but the Yellow Arrows encouraged me to ‘let go’, and I discovered the joy of spontaneity.
So this week, when at times I’ve felt unduly anxious, I’ve remembered the Yellow Arrows.
– ‘One step at a time’, I say to myself as I focus on the here and now rather than on the ‘what ifs’.
– ‘Look around and find little joys in little things’, I remind myself as I notice a dandelion emerging from a crack in the pavement.
– ‘I’m glad I could help’, I think as I bid farewell to a hiker who’d lost his way in more ways than one.
And maybe, I’ve been a momentary Yellow Arrow on someone else’s journey through life.
Truth is… ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make straight your paths’ Proverbs 3.5-6
Truth is... 
You have definitely been a bright shining yellow arrow for me Joanna pointing me in the right direction for the next turn in my journey! Thankyou
The first photo on today’s blog is wonderful, father and son on the long road ahead! Xx
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I’m glad that our paths have met – it’s a joy to be travelling alongside!
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Joanna you have always been a consistent and reliable arrow for those of us who have the pleasure of knowing you.
Speaking from the perspective of a sabbatical where all the familiar arrows have been temporarily removed, it would be nice to have a few more around to reassure!
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Hope your sabbatical will be full of good surprises as you ‘spot the arrows’ on your way – I think they’ll be there, even if initially hidden by the undergrowth of life!
You’ve been an arrow in my life too – this blog arising from your gentle nudges!
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