Each night we share a room with others - sometimes it will be 4 others and sometimes 40. Some of our room mates are old faces and some new. We recognise and greet many of the same people who are journeying at the same speed as us. Communal living can be fun but it can also bring out a side of you that isn't nice!
As we recognise the group of 4 Spaniard's we hold our breath and hope they are not in our room. And there's that man again that snores like a chainsaw, or the group that get up at 5 and shuffle around loudly getting ready in the dark, ensuring the rest of us don't continue to sleep. We put labels on people and don't always think kindly of others... yet we don't consider it a problem when we are eating late and being loud while the early birds are trying to sleep, or when we rush for the showers and do not consider those who are much older than us and have had equally long days. Communal living can sometimes bring out the 'self' in us and sometimes the 'kindness' in us. We invite a couple of others on their own to join us in our shared meal, we tend to each others feet and blisters, we carry things for each other and do our best to care for those who are sick. We share our resources and stop and try and help those who look in distress on the side of the road.
May we be people who do unto others as we would have them do unto us!
Question: How do you relate within the community that you live in? Are you clothed with kindness?
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Hello !
ReplyDeleteWhere will you appr. be on Friday night 28 May ?
And how can I find you ?
Keep on walking !
Anders
What amazing photos. Am I recognising the same clothes each day? I have no kindness when people snore loudly even though I know it's not deliberate. Happy feet I hope. Love Susan
ReplyDeleteHi Folks, I had a big long comment written but the connection died and I lost it! Anyway, just wanted to say we will be eagerly checking for updates on your site as your journey continues.. It was very sad to be driving away in the opposite direction on Wednesday adn we miss you all. We are in Logrono and found the most wonderful little fish restaurant last night, but it is still hard to beat Jessica´s paella and sitting around laughing and chatting with you all.. Thanks for everything, our time on the Camino was all the more enjoyable for having met you all.. We wish you a safe and happy onward journey and we will be in touch again when we reach Bilbao.. All the best, Rachel & Billy :)
ReplyDeleteIsn't it amazing how just going for a walk with people, checking in for a different lodging each night, preparing food, having to wait/share etc can bring out such reflections and important life perspectives that our regular home routines and 9-5 jobs can't (or don't)!! Really enjoying your journey - almost feel like I'm there with you! Not far to go...
ReplyDeleteLynda MU
Thanks for allowing us to participate in your journey and it has been a great way to feel connected to you both and to be reminded to send plenty of prayers of thanksgiving and for protection and for strengh and endurance! I truly am blessed to be able to read your thought provoking comments and questions which in many ways help me to continue to refine the character I want portrayed to others around me and to glorigy the Lord.
ReplyDeleteTake care and know that you are missed in the 9 to 5 world of mundane tasks and look forward to catching up with you both when you are back in NZ. My love and prayers to Maree too!
Maria ;-)