A Quiet Day in a Small Town—Day 14

A Quiet Day on the Camino

Every day on the Camino is a little different. Today was a very quiet day. A good time to recharge and to give my feet a rest. Little did I know how much my feet would need their weekly rest, especially with the blister on Lefty (the name I gave my left foot).

A quiet day also gave me time to reflect on the week of walking. I am amazed at what I learned.

The Learnings from Week Two

What we do today will have an impact many years from now. Two thousand years ago the Romans built a road in Spain. Today Pilgrims from around the world still walk over it. When I walked over the old Roman Bridge I couldn't help but wonder: how can a bridge or road last that long? But it was also more than that; the history of the place became real.

It also makes one wonder, what is the legacy we leave behind? Will people one day, two thousand years from now, look at something that is now old and say: This is what The Presbyterian Church in Canada built.

I wonder if we will be remembered for our hospitality. Ask any congregation if they hospitable and the answer without a doubt is always: We are a friendly congregation. Truth be told, we are not always as friendly and welcoming as we believe we are. I was reminded of hospitality and the lasting impact it can have. For more than 1,000 years (from 958–1985) the monks at Irache gave wine to weary Pilgrims ... when heir numbers dwindle they improvised. Today, a wine fountain is still there to quench the thirst of those in need.

This, of course, means that identity is important. On the Camino I quickly learned how to identify Canadians (MEC clothing, Canadian pin, and Canadian Company of Pilgrims badge). At Iglesia San Bartolomé the priest reminded everyone that a church's identity is that of a house of prayer.

Then, I believe it is important to remember our curiosity, because without curiosity how would we explore? If we don't explore we may miss the opportunities for hospitality that is around the corner. Remember, seize your curiosity.

And how can I forget the chickens at Santo Domingo? I mean, chickens in a church ... And yet, if anything, the legends surrounding Santo Domingo (the legend behind the chickens and the legend of the saint) reaffirmed for me that God has a plan and that Innocence always triumph.

Yet, above all, I think day 13 provided the greatest learning: the Sun will always overcome the dreary days (or shall I say: the Son will always cheer the dreary spirit).

A Final Thought

As I write this, it is the first Sunday of Lent. I know, different people approach Lent a little differently. Some people give something up for Lent, while some people decide to do something for Lent, while other don't do either. Regardless of your practise during this Lenten season I would like to encourage you to think about the following questions:

• What am I building today? Will it glorify God in the future?
• When it comes to hospitality, what am I doing?
• When people look at me, will they know I am a child of God? (don't we have a hymn that goes like this: and they'll know we are Christians by our love?)
• When the chance is there, do I seize my curiosity and ask question?
• What is the plan God has for me?
• How do I share with others the truth that the Son will also brighten a dreary spirit?

To end, here are a few black-and-white pictures I took during the week with a 35mm Camera. To God be the Glory.

(I took a Canon EA Camera with me as well, and several rolls of black and white film. I limited myself to no more than three photos a day. I developed the film myself; however, it is a learning experience.)

My journey on the Camino de Santiago started in September 2017. At the time I wrote blogged entries with pictures whenever I could. Now, three years later, it is time to revisit the journey; I am re-posting the entries with a few updates. Enjoy.