I have a friend who likes to walk long distances so much so that he takes pilgrimage walks. Last month, he was in Germany walking for days with some friends he invited to join him. He came across a quote not long ago about walking, a quote that has stuck with me. When you walk for several miles instead of driving those miles in a car, or riding those miles on a bike, you “feel the distance.” When you walk you “feel the distance” by being more present to what is around you: you notice the gravel you’re stepping on, you see the trees, you observe the sky, you’re aware of the aches in your knees and feet.

You “feel the distance.”

This phrase has been a helpful metaphor for me to think about the pastors I’m with on Altar Retreats. The pastors who join us “feel the distance” of years, if not decades, of ministry. Some of our pastors are flourishing in ministry, others are floundering, and still others are somewhere in between. But however they come to us, they will tell you that in their ministries they have experienced challenges and joys, weariness and enthusiasm, disappointment and satisfaction, pain and reward.

They “feel the distance” of their journey in ministry. 

Whether you are a pastor or not, I am sure there are pieces of your life – your career, a leadership role, a relationship or challenging season – where you “feel the distance” you have already covered. Perhaps you are weary as you consider the miles before you. 

What is needed in your life to “walk straight” on God’s “true path” for you?

 Not long ago, I had a conversation with a pastor who was with us on a retreat in the summer of 2023. At the time he came to us, he was in the “somewhere in between” stage. He could tell you stories of blessings in his pastoral ministry and the joy it brought him, but he would also talk about how he sometimes questioned his sense of call to his church. Some of the current challenges he faced in that ministry made him wonder if that was the place God wanted him to be.But now, over a year later, he still serves that church and he’s more content, more energized, more joyful. When I commented on this to him, he agreed and said, “A lot of where I am now started at the Altar Retreat.” It was at the retreat that he made some connections that have been life-giving. In the past year, he has met with a spiritual director to tend to his soul, worked with a ministry coach to help with the daily challenges of church life, joined a national group of denominational colleagues for fellowship, and befriended a local retired pastor who has been a great encouragement to him.

He’s more confident that he’s walking straight on God’s true path.

Some questions to ponder:

Where do you “feel the distance” in this season of life?

What do you need to “walk straight” on God’s “true path”?

When will take the next step to a healthier place on the journey God has for you?

_{Steve Ebling | November 2024}