This week I am traveling alone in Ireland, and I have been deeply touched by the kindness of strangers—and perhaps given a gentle lesson from the universe about what it really means to be a pilgrim!
My sister-in-law, Nancy, had made all kinds of arrangements for my travel before I left the States, including thoughtful advice on packing. Of course, she did not know about the extra food I managed to squeeze in—nor the few items that may have needed a gentle wash before their journey!
Today, as I attempted to wrestle my two “small” suitcases up the two steps onto the train, a mysterious helping hand suddenly appeared and lifted them aboard. I barely had time to say thank you.
When I reached my seat, another angel arrived in the form of a young woman. Without my asking, she lifted one suitcase onto the overhead shelf and carried the other to its designated luggage space.
At this point I was beginning to wonder: Am I actually traveling alone—or has Ireland assigned me a team of guardian angels specializing in luggage?
When we arrived in Portlaoise, the young woman retrieved my cases for me. Then another kind man appeared and carried both suitcases down two flights of stairs!
By now, the message from the universe was becoming embarrassingly clear.
I may think I am a pilgrim, but apparently I am a pilgrim with baggage!
So here is my spiritual lesson for the day:
A true pilgrim travels lightly.
A true pilgrim trusts that what she really needs will be provided.
And a true pilgrim probably does not require three complete strangers to transport her belongings from one end of the journey to the other!
But perhaps there is another lesson here too. Pilgrimage is not only about learning to carry less. It is also about learning to receive—to allow ourselves to be surprised by goodness and to recognize grace in the helping hands of strangers.
Today, grace looked like a hand reaching for my suitcase, a young woman quietly helping without being asked, and a man carrying my luggage down the stairs in Portlaoise.
Note to self: On my next pilgrimage, pack half as much—and leave twice as much room for grace!
And to the wonderful strangers who helped this pilgrim and her excessive baggage along the way: Go raibh míle maith agaibh—thank you a thousand times!
And finally, a heartfelt tribute to my dear sister-in-law Nancy, whose love, wisdom, and practical care were already part of this journey long before I ever reached Ireland. Her thoughtful guidance, gentle humor, and steady support are a quiet blessing in my life, and I am deeply grateful for her presence in my family and in my heart.
Author’s note: This reflection is based on my personal experience and original thoughts. ChatGPT was used as an editorial tool to help organize, polish, to the writing while preserving my voice and meaning and the humor !
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