It’s Sunday!
Sunday mornings usually find Pete in the pulpit; but because he is in Spain walking the Camino, we’ll give him the morning off, and I will give you a few of the messages that came to me as I walked the Camino with him.
The most common phrase you will hear us say, (other than Buen Camino when greeting other walkers) is, “Isn’t this/that beautiful?!?” We are surrounded by the beauty of creation as we walk through these days. Unfortunately, when we are at home on the plains, we are often too busy or distracted to notice the beauty that surrounds us everyday; or maybe we have begun to take some of it for granted? Here, however, with nothing distracting us but our footsteps, the first scene we saw today as we walked away from our hostel, brought to mind this verse: “You will indeed go out with joy and be peacefully guided; the mountains and the hills will break into singing before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.” Isaiah 55:12 (CBS)
We walked through part of the Rioja region today – the ordered vineyards and the full bunches of grapes have been tended with great care, and boast some of Spain’s most delicious wines (we can attest to that)! Those who labor in the vineyards are working to increase the yield and improve the quality – another instant reminder of scripture – John 15:5, “I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without me.”
As we walk the Camino, it can be easy to take a wrong turn. Fortunately, there are signs all along the path that help to point out the right direction! The most common symbol is a yellow scallop shell with the small part of the shell pointing the way to go. It helps when the scallop shell is reinforced with a yellow arrow! There have been a couple of times that we have gotten a bit confused in a city…never fear…there is always a local community member looking out a flower/vegetable-filled balcony who will shout, “Buen Camino” and point us in the right direction! I am guessing that many of you know what verse comes to mind with this example: Psalm 119:105, “Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path.”
I could go on and on, but will share just one more moment! Towards the end of the day today, we came across yet one more beautiful sight – a hillside filled with sheep! Sheep bring to mind some of the most-loved passages in scripture, but I quickly noticed something about this flock… there is ONE black sheep! This was the best sight I saw today! This sheep does not appear to be lost, but we know that the Good Shepherd would be off to find the lost sheep… this sheep is a reminder and an assurance to me of what it says in John 10:28-30: “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all. No one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.” Thankful to be held in God’s hand!
Off to soak my feet!
Buen Camino!
4 responses to “9/22 Luquin to Logroño”
Thanks, Camille. The grapes look delicious. Can you take a handful? Hope your feet are getting better!
Thanks, Camille! May your feet be soothed and restored for your journey tomorrow.
I was just waiting to read “Rioja” in your travels. Keep up the good work with these very entertaining entries ! Prayers for your tootsies !
September 20 your mother,Sarah, Carol, and Diana visited us. Your mother gave me this site.How privileged you are to be doing this. It is a blessing to all of us who are able to follow you. Your tribute to dear Max is so apt.