Yet another beautiful day today, cool in the morning... sunny and warm throughout the day. A nice long 27km walk to Terradillos de los Templarios. Just miles and miles of quiet path; walking through grain fields for as far as the eye can see.
I have developed a couple of new phrases to help uplift the spirit during the day. The first is 'poco a poco'....little by little. Early in the morning, especially with it being cold, it takes a while for all the muscles and joints to warm up. So we start slowly.... poco a poco.... knowing there is plenty of time and distance in the journey ahead.
Today's walk was designed to be grueling. Partly by distance, but mainly through flat monotony in the quiet solitude. While the Lord will speak to the heart on some days, today He wasn't offering much. But he did send along a diligent swarm of bugs. For a good 6 or 7 mile stretch, gnats buzzed around with delightful abandon. I got to eat a couple. Three dived to their deaths into my eyes. It was one of those days.
The other phrase I have taken to using is ' una hora mas'.... one more hour. As the afternoon wears on and the miles are starting to tire the feet, there arises the hope of soon reaching the day's destination. But the distance can trick the eye...and the tired body doesn't go as fast as it did in the morning. So how long will it take to get there??? Una hora mas....
There are so many blessings on this pilgrimage. Included in them are the slow, steady blessings of faithfulness and perseverance. Nothing exciting about such grace, but blessed none the less. To walk a little further along the way.... por una hora mas.... poco a poco....
Poco a poco - Add to your "blessings of the day" those ardent supporters, eagerly following your daily blogs (a blessing to US) and cheering you ever-onward with our prayers, and wishing that we could be with you and fellow pilgrims! PEACE!
ReplyDeleteWonderful words to live by...thanks for sharing! Praying for you through the good times, the grueling times, meal times, and all times in between...poco a poco...we could all learn from that...por una hora mas...almost there...Buen camino!
ReplyDeleteEach step takes you closer to your destination, and you have taken so many wonderful ones already! The bards want to know where you are on the map. We feel like we are playing “Where’s Waldo”. May you continue to enjoy the peace of the Camino. Starr
ReplyDeleteFr. Kevin, this is from Jean. She cannot send any comments........
ReplyDeleteFr.. Kevin, I've asked Helen to forward this message to you for me.
Each morning after my quiet time and coffee with the Lord, I look forward to reading your blog. I am greatly inspired by your words and pictures. After reading the blog, I offer you up in prayer to our Lord and God. I know he is taking care of you and giving you the strength you need to complete your pilgrim journey. What a wonderful gift you are to St. Matthew family. And you are greatly missed. Love in Christ, Jean
God bless you from Helen
Father Kevin: Know that we all are gently nudging you along in our prayers as we follow you. Love the phrase "poco a poco". Isn't that what life is mostly about?? Small steps, but always trying to move forward. God Bless You as you journey onward. John & Connie
ReplyDeletePadre, know that our hearts and prayers are with you. We miss you,
ReplyDeleteHope this journey is all you hoped it would be.
All our love your parish family
Father Kevin,
ReplyDeleteI know God will hold you up along the way. Praying for you and mama. He will raise you up on eagles wings.....
From Kathy Flint:
ReplyDeleteFather, I have been following you every day and feeling your pain and fatigue as well as the joy you are having in every new discovery this pilgrimage affords. Your pictures have been wonderful and we feel like we are trekking along with you. How wonderful to soak up all your beautiful surroundings. Hopefully your feet and knee won't hinder your journey too much. We are praying for. Kathy Flint