But just before Astorga on the hill top we were welcomed by David. He lives in the ruins of an old stone house summer and winter. Each day he welcomes pilgrims on their way, offering refreshments and food. It is his ministry. He has created a shelter beside one of old stone walls and has his bed under the roof the open air. Imagine the committment to serve in this way. He takes donations but this is hardly enough to sustain him. Such committment is perhaps what is missing in our lives. I not saying we all have go live on a mountian but it is a gift to live ones fully dedicated to your calling and passion.
We admire people who give so much of themselves for the sake of others. The Camino is full of stories of people who served beyond what seemed humanly reasonably. In past centuries they were made saints. Santo Domingo is one example. But our admiration and the sanctification becomes a means to excuses ourselves from serving, working or giving to change the world, or even the sacred acts of simple compassion for others.
It may seem monumental for someone to walk 780 km but while doing the walk it is truly one day at a time. We aren't walking 780km but 20km today or just 4km between rest points, just a few more steps along the way between each breath. Keeping this in mind in ines daily life will perhaps keep things in prespective. Keeping this in mind for the journey of the church will perhaps help to keep the focus today's ministries rather future demise or glory.
The days that followed were long. We walked past Astroga to El Ganso in preparation to make our ascent to the Iron Cross. The next day was 26km over the mountain and took us to Acebo. There was long hard decent to finish the day.
The evening gave us a beautiful so sun set viewed from the window of our hostel room.
In my next post I will share our experience at the Iron Cross. Bill
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