The parable of Todd and the bull

An important practice of a pilgrim is to pack light. Sometimes we recognize the need to get rid of old habits. Or maybe it's time to spring clean. Maybe we are going to walk 300 miles and we physically can't carry a heavy load. (As in my case). No matter our stage in life, we can all take a moment to inventory what we carry with us. What we can let go of, and who/how we can assist others in making their burden lighter. 

Can you guess the difference between Todd and this bull? (Other than that they are both bullheaded). The clue is in the photo. 

 

If you didn't guess, Todd is carrying my backpack. 

Because Todd carried my backpack 21 of the 24.5 miles we walked today I thought a lot about burdens. How often I have sought relief from my burdens. Who has stepped into my life to lighten my load?  Because of my faith, how often I have turned to my Lord and asked him to take "this" burden from me. And when I am relieved, do I remember gratitude?  

How many times today did I thank Todd for carrying my load?  Many times, but not enough!  And to all who have assisted me on my journey, who have made my burdens lighter...THANK YOU!

Todd with both our packs. 
 

 Pre 24.5 miles. 

One door closes another one opens

We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we're curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.
Walt Disney

I have been thinking about doors. I've had so many doors open and shut recently. It's often with sadness that I close one door. Today was a difficult day. We said goodbye to Malu & Ugo Cardona. That was not easy for me. It was sudden, even though I knew it was coming. I still did not feel ready to shut this door. 

I am also aware if I pay attention I will see the opening to another door. We said goodbye so quickly to Ugo and Malu because we found some pilgrims on the road to Santiago. We joined with them for awhile. It was perfect for us all. Ugo and Malu felt more at ease sending us on our was with someone who spoke English and knew where to go. And Todd and I were able to get on the right path. 

We ended up leaving them after a few hours. We walked 17 miles. It was a beautiful day and the weather was perfect. We found a lovely hotel on the ocean and the waves are crashing on the rocks below. The only thing to make this moment more perfect would a body without aches!

 

Goodbye Ugo & Malu. 

 

As one door closes...

Another one opens. 

This is the door to our hotel room. Past the window is an amazing view of the ocean. 

 

 The sunset from our room. 

Thresholds

"Those who stand at the threshold of life always waiting for the right time to change are like the man who stands at the bank of a river waiting for the water to pass so he can cross on dry land." Joseph B Wirthlin

Part of the journey of a pilgrim on the road to Santiago is held in the passport. This passport not only identifies us as pilgrims, it also allows us to have a meal and one nights lodging in a church. At each church grounds there is a special door for the pilgrims. As Todd and I begin our journey I have reflected on the many thresholds we will cross. The physical thresholds and emotional thresholds. It is in the crossing of the threshold the "old" has is left behind but what is next is still unknown. It is in this moment we choose to open ourselves to new possibilities. To surrender the pain and comforts of the past and "the way things used to be". When we let go of the past we have the opportunity to discover unseen and unexpected support in our journey. Whatever and wherever that journey may be. 

In the few days of our journey thus far I have had to let go of plans and expectations that did not go well for us. They were not part of our plan. It was hard. But in doing so, I have been able to appreciate the many time we have received unexpected help. These "helpers" I carry with me on my way to Santiago!  They bring me added joy in this journey!

 

The pilgrims entrance. 

 

The entrance to San Sebastián/Donostia. 

 La Conch at San Sebastián/Donostia. 

Roots of Kindness

"A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees."

Amelia Earhart

It is Mothers Day. When Todd and I arrived in the Basque Country we were warmly greeted by the grandparents of our foreign exchange son Ugo. Love manner in which we have been welcomed and embraced has reminded me of many of our days with Ugo. Our family had such a good relationship with Ugo and I often thought of the scripture in Matthew 7:20 "Wherefore, by your fruits yes shall know them."  Ugo has such a kind soul and good manners, we knew right way, by his fruits he was a wonderful boy. We eventually met his parents and brother and experienced the goodness of this family. This weekend we have been blessed to see and experience the roots of this great family. And as Ms Earhart describes, we have experienced the goodness of the roots that have sprung up and made new trees.  

Roots and trees are such a fitting analogy of this area. I'm not sure what I expected this region to look like. I have been surprised by the mountains and pine trees. Even though we are very near the beach, we are in the mountains. Today it is quite windy so as I sit on the deck, enjoying the warmth of the sunshine on my skin, the beauty of the mountains and sound of the rustling leaves and church bell ringing I am thankful for all my senses. I'm thankful for my own roots. And I pray for the roots I have planted, my they be ones of kindness. Happy Mothers Day, wherever you may be. 

 

 

What do you get someone for graduation who is walking 500 miles through Spain?  Super funky, extra comfy, added support socks.  Of course!  Big shout out to my nephew Jake from Texas for my socks.  These ones will get smelly, but I am sure they will add much needed comfort to my long days of walking.  And, the best part is that in a small way, my nephew Jake will be with me on this journey.  Which is awesome because through some of my biggest journeys in my life, Jake had been with me.  Extra comfort when my heart has been heavy.  Super supportive when I've needed support.  And dang is he funky.  He is what keeps me so young... at least young at heart!

And that my friends is what creates the joy in the journey.  Having support as you take each step, the opportunity to support others, companionship, love and a dash of funky!
Thanks Jake!

Symbol of St. James

The symbol of James, the apostle in the New Testament is the scallop shell.  Legend has it that when James was  martyred by beheading in Jerusalem in 44 AD, the saints sent his body by ship to the Iberian Peninsula to be buried in what is now Santiago.  When they were nearing the coast of Spain, a storm sank the ship and the body of James was lost.  A short time later the body washed ashore covered in scallop shells.  The scallop shell is now a symbol of the pilgrim traveling to Santiago de Compostella.  It was also was a useful tool for the pilgrim as is served to hold food or collect water on the way to Santiago.  

The shell has other meanings as well.  There are many ridges in the scallop shell and they all lead to one point.  And so it is for the journey to Santiago.  There are many paths that lead to this final destination.  Deciding which path to take has been incredibly joyful for me.  As I have discussed this journey I have met many people who have completed all or parts of the journey.  I have read stories of others who have made their way to Santiago.  All have been exciting to read/hear about.  All have enriched my experience in one way or another.

For me, my journey started three years ago.  The dreaming, wishing and visualizing of this adventure has been a significant part of this path.  And it has been pointed toward Santiago.

And so it is with life.  There are many roads to choose from, some more difficult than others. Some are near the ocean with beautiful views and a cool breeze, but steep climbs and rocky cliffs.  Some paths are less traveled and there is joy in the solitude and finding of oneself or loneliness and longing for companionship.  Some paths a wooded and filled with sounds of nature or fear of not being able to see what is making all the sound.  For whatever reason, we all have chosen the path we are now on.  No matter the struggle, there is alway joy in the journey, we just have to take the time to see it.

It's a rocky road!

It's a rocky road!

I spent the day walking around in my Hiking shoes. I'm not sure my fitness is up to this journey. I guess I'm getting a little nervous after so many years of planning. 🚶🏻🚶🏻🚶🏻🚶🏻(This is my first post from my iPhone... I have to make sure I can blog with limited technology)