72 hours ago
After a long hiatus, I decided to have a peek at what property prices are like these days. It was something I had shoved to the back of my mind seeing how I had just committed myself to my parents' house. Nonetheless, the dream of owning my very own was still there.
It was a depressing effort though as I found that most everything that is matured had gone up about 30% and anything new was way beyond my means.
Sadly, one of the habits the Camino did not break was to let it go once a thought was planted in my head. And it was a full day of moping and moaning.
48 hours ago
After a long hiatus, I decided to have a peek at what property prices are like these days. It was something I had shoved to the back of my mind seeing how I had just committed myself to my parents' house. Nonetheless, the dream of owning my very own was still there.
It was a depressing effort though as I found that most everything that is matured had gone up about 30% and anything new was way beyond my means.
Sadly, one of the habits the Camino did not break was to let it go once a thought was planted in my head. And it was a full day of moping and moaning.
48 hours ago
Do I keep the dream fueled and going? And do I act now or do I just leave it as a dream? The reality of it is IF I opted for something more humble, the dream could become real. But if I was chasing something more fashionable, I would either have to hock my kids on eBay or leave the dream as a dream. I ended the day more or less resigned to the latter.
24 hours ago
Decided to test waters by bringing up the issue at home with the family. Surprisingly, it was encouraging. Yet, the fear was there. Even Dad saying "God willing you will get it" did not bring consolation. Again, I hung on the precipice.
Came home to my daily email message which said: Jesus assures us that if we go to Him, our “burden would be light.” Why is this so? With Jesus’ Spirit within our hearts, we are never alone; God who is almighty, infinitely compassionate and loving will always care for us. And it ended with Do we trust in His words or do we prefer to rely more on our own strength and human support?
Every step of my way, I have walked in His path. If anything, having done the Camino itself is a testament of how His Hands can make a way when there seemed none. I do have to do my homework on my part of course for even with God, He will help you if only YOU help yourself.
10.38 pm 14th July 2011
It has been a month since I completed my Camino and I am only just finding out what it is I have learnt. Whilst on the Camino, He showed me what a difference mere minutes and hours can make. So I should really not be surprised as I sit here tonight after a long work day and say TOMORROW I WILL BE BUYING MY OWN HOME. All done and dusted in under 5 hours.
And the bonus is this: it is everything I want in a home - balconies (3 !!!!!!!!!!) plus a garden, the feel of having a landed property within the confines and comfort of a condominium structure. And it is with HIS Blessing.
A lot of folks have been telling me that it appears my Walk has paid off. The title for this posting is the distance I walked for the price I am going to pay for my home.
Yet as I sit here in reflection, I do realise that the Camino (with all its pains) was not a down-payment for the blessings I am receiving today. And with God, it is not what you physically do that counts. It is knowing where your anchor lies and trusting in that the anchor will not fail you. Faith and surrender.
Tonight as I turn in, I quietly bless all the yellow arrows that came across my way. Thank you for opening my eyes, my heart, my mind and soul for without that, I would not have the wisdom to know when to employ Faith and Surrender when I have to.
It truly was and will continue to have been a really good Buen Camino!
