I walked one day in sadness – I can’t remember why. However the day sticks in my mind as an old Spanish mans actions changed my thinking.
It was one of those horrible days, walking along the side of roads for a long time – it didn’t happen often. I was alone, and perhaps in my head a bit much, I walked through a small village. At the front of a small house was a bench for sitting on. On the bench was a basket of sweets with a notice that the sweets were for passing pilgrims and that we / I should help myself.
I did, taking two. And then I got thinking again. All along the Camino de Santiago local Spanish people gave without asking for anything in return. If I walked the wrong way they would chase me down the street to make sure I got back on the path, quite amazing.
Now here, or where ever I am, I forget these little gifts. Then sometimes they hit me like a hammer – can I be like them in someway today?
Walking the Camino de Santiago, A Guide
West Highland Way
Wicklow Way
Leslie Gilmour