Share The Joy

"I will have more joy if you are there to share it; and the more of us there to share, the greater will be the joy of all."

-- Thomas Merton, Seeds of Contemplation

I posted this article several years ago when I was road-tripping far more than I have in the last year--due to the pandemic. I ran across it today and realized that it had more meaning for me today than ever before. So I'm re-committing to making that pilgrimage. I want you to journey with me. I believe you will enjoy it, and I will enjoy it so much more if you accompany me.

Here's the original post:

Are you familiar with the film "Finding It," which explores the theme of sacred pilgrimage? The setting of the movie is the most famous spiritual trek in Europe, Camino de Santiago de Compostella. As all good stories should, this one uses the outer journey to mirror the inner. It's a beautiful film and I recommend it highly. 

All roads eventually lead to the same destination 

Each time I read or view something about pilgrimage, I remember that we all live our lives on the road to Compostella, or to Mecca, or to Graceland. It's not the destination but the journey that really matters, which is something I don't need to tell you, I'm sure.

Let me take a moment here to say that this post is a sort of companion piece to another post I wrote years ago about my personal, mythological pilgrimage. You can find it by searching for: 'Let the Good Times Roll'

This morning, I'm planning once again my upcoming pilgrimage to the holy sites of my own personal mythology. The journey will take me to the Summer-lands of the South, where I will meet the spirits of my ancestors at 3300 Beloved Path in Perdido Bay, Florida.

Then I will visit the Gray Havens of the West to restore the tissues and refresh the spirit with lots of chicory coffee and beignets--Laissez bons temp rouler--and when the sun rises on the first day of the new period, I will head North to the Court of the King where I will pay my respect to Elvis and give thanks for the riches in my life. 

Always follow the sun 

Finally, I will travel East toward the rising sun, make a brief detour into the Land of the Spirits, my hometown, and then head back to my current home, where I'm happy to be.

I don't know how long the journey will take. Probably the rest of my life. But I do know that I will write about it here on Circular Journey. My audience expects nothing less of me. 

Everything I write is true, of course, although the telling of my story is enhanced to make it more interesting. As the Wee Little Men in the books of Terry Pratchett are fond of saying, "Dragons and elves always make a story more interesting."

The fun is greater when it's shared 

The quest is meant for me alone, and only I can make it. However, I'm reminded, as I prepare for the journey, of something I read recently:

"I will have more joy if you are there to share it; and the more of us there to share, the greater will be the joy of all."

-- Thomas Merton, "Seeds of Contemplation"

That's why I'm inviting you--to share the joy. I will do my best to make it entertaining. Princess Amy will see that it's interesting and exciting. If you decide to come along, you will find yourself on a pilgrimage of your own. I'm sure of it. Come on then. Share the joy.