Pilgrim or Tourist?

Years ago, the English writer Rupert Sheldrake was asked what single change he would recommend for the new millennium, one change that could make a difference in the world. His answer: every tourist should become a pilgrim.

I've thought about that a lot. Some of the world's most beautiful and historic places are being overrun. We're loving them to death.

Not long ago, we had the privilege of visiting our daughter, who's living in Japan. It was an amazing trip. But in hindsight, I know I didn't always get it right. There were plenty of times I was the obnoxious tourist. Chasing the perfect picture. Not speaking the language. Even driving on the wrong side of the road… once. Maybe twice.

And I found myself wondering: Are you a tourist, Joe, or a pilgrim?

So what's the difference?

Maybe it's this. A tourist passes through a place. A pilgrim lets the place pass through them. A tourist looks at the people. A pilgrim meets them, with reverence and respect. And a pilgrim travels expecting that God will show up, not only at the destination, but all along the way.

The psalmist wrote, "Happy are those whose strength is in you, in whose heart are the highways to Zion." (Psalm 84:5)

In whose heart.

You don't need a plane ticket to be a pilgrim. Just a certain kind of heart. The drive to work. The grocery store. The waiting room. The people you'll meet today.

May you and I walk through this life as pilgrims rather than tourists. And, may our eyes and hearts be attuned to Christ deep within all that has being.

Let us pray: God of all creation, grant us grace that we might approach life with awe and reverence. Create in us an expectation of meeting you in the wider world—in culture, in landscape, and in people. And as we glimpse your presence, as we see your hand at work, may we give thanks and praise. In Christ’s name, we pray. Amen.

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