O Lord God, when Thou givest to Thy servants to endeavour any great matter, grant us also to know that it is not the beginning, but the continuing of the same, unto the end, until it be thoroughly finished which yieldeth the true glory; through Him who, for the finishing of Thy work, laid down His life, our Redeemer, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

One day and 22km down. My feet have held up so far; my legs are still feeling strong; my heart and brain are feeling optimistic. It’s been a good day! Today I have felt joy at the sunshine and the beauty of the countryside. I have felt relief at managing the pace and the ability of my body to carry me along the road. I have felt gratitude for those who have provided hospitality and for the wisdom of those I am walking with.

But I am very aware that this is only about a fifth of the journey and that my friend has already walked more than 400 miles. Francis Drake’s payer was also my school prayer - I often wonder why it was chosen. Whatever the reason, it’s part of what has shaped me as a Christian, both positively and negatively. I pray it today in the hope that my body, mind and soul will sustain me through the journey. But I know now what I did not understand 38 years ago: that sometimes what we finish is not what we thought it was when we started. And that having the humility to accept that God’s plan does not conform to our own plans is an essential part of our pilgrimage through life.