Last night we had probably the best pilgrim's dinner yet. Great vegetarian paella and delightful company. Our group of six had Canadians (us), a Spanish brother and sister, a German and a Brazilian. We all had one thing in common (besides the Camino)--we had all seen Tina Turner live in concert! On a more serious note our discussion did turn to the Cruz de Ferro as we knew we would be visiting early today. Our German friend has walked the Camino many times before. She says she brings many stones and drops them along the way for people who have "done wrong to her". I asked if she forgives them when she drops the stones. "Some--not yet---some stones I have dropped many times already". For her forgiveness is a process. I carried a crystal and two pebbles to the cross. Here is the story of my stones:
Your Dad adjusts his headlamp as we leave the Albergue. It is early--before dawn--the sun rises as we walk. When we approach the hill there is still a tinge of pink on the horizon, but the sun has fully lit the sky. It is surprisingly simple--a wooden pole with an iron cross placed at the very top. I climb the pile of rocks carrying my stones. First the crystal. A friend, and mentor, gifted this to me the first month of my principalship. It was a good role for me, but a role I found harsh. It is my fourth year of retirement and I when I look back I can still feel the stresses. Today I leave this stone forever at the bottom of the cross. I will not pick it up again. I promise to spend my life living fully. Today and Tomorrow--not yesterdays. The second are my Phil and Bernie pebbles. I wedge them right into a crack in the wood of the base. Your struggles are great, but you are strong--I want you completely covered in the cross. These tiny rocks come from the abandoned well at Lakelet. We missed the Corps gathering this year as we were already on The Way. I take this moment to pray for our Church family. You have seen so much grief. There is no power in the Cruz de Ferro, but I believe there is power in the intention of our heart. I missed my stones as I walked away. My pocket felt empty without them. There was a temptation to run back up the hill and take those stones back under my control. So like human nature. I left them there. You are Always in My Prayers. Love Mom.
6 Comments
Nano
10/3/2017 08:51:49 am
Great reflection mom!
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Mom
10/3/2017 09:33:54 am
Thanks baby. Can't wait to get home so we can have some long chats.
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Berendina
10/3/2017 08:27:11 pm
Love you very much. Thank you. Really needed this tonight. I am admitted into GRH right now awaiting news on if I need surgery for a possible bowel obstruction. Totally unexpected shock as I just came to se how the chemo was working!
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Diane
10/3/2017 09:41:45 pm
Heard life had given you another kick....hearing from you is absolutely the BEST. Love you. Big hug to Phil. Oct 21st..see you then. ❤️
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Berendina donkersgoed
10/5/2017 06:52:53 pm
Do not need surgery!!
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Diane
10/5/2017 09:30:53 pm
Great news😄 ❤️ Leave a Reply. |
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Ray & Diane HomewoodSharing the Blessing of Travel Archives
January 2018
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