The singing of angels.
Yesterday, we walked the Burgo Bridge (Puente del Burgo) in Pontevedra, Spain. Called the bridge for pilgrims—a medieval bridge built over an older bridge of Roman origin, which crosses the Lérez River. And the scallop shell with a yellow arrow points the way. And yes, we walked it heading south (toward Portugal), spending time on the bridge to take delight in the river, and to say “Buen Camino” to a handful of pilgrims on their way north to Santiago. After, we did a good bit of wandering in the public park. (And for trivia buffs, Pontevedra means “the old bridge”.)
Last year, I learned that one of my favorite parts about walking the Portuguese Camino—including a very good bit of wandering and roving—is that I approvingly have no idea where my mind (thoughts or spirit) is heading on any particular day.
And now smiling big, because today, one year later, I can see why it’s one of my favorite things.
And yes, also still no idea what I may be writing for Sabbath Moment. I’m learning to embrace the Camino gift, to stop giving myself angst, as if Sabbath Moment is an overdue assignment.
Whenever I lead a retreat, Crayolas and coloring are mandatory. It is an unwritten spiritual principle: Thou Shalt Color. It is remarkable how many adults—otherwise very confident and secure people—who will say, “Do I have to? Because I’m not very good at coloring.”
And I ask, “Who said anything about the need to be good at it?”
Somewhere along the way, we give up our voice.
So. I invite you: Take back your voice. (“And if you listen, You will hear, What your heart would Love to say” John O’Donohue)
Live this day through the eyes of a six-year-old visiting this city park for the first time, and see the day filled with wonder, elation and connection… and extraordinary ordinary creatures.
Try this: When you see a moment filled with wonder, elation and connection, consider it a deposit made in a “savings account” for your well-being. (And let us never forget: in a world that needs compassion and kindheartedness more than ever, care of any kind—service, ministry, healing, presence—begins with self-care.)
My friend taught me this phrase, “have you felt your heart catch?” Because when you do, you pause, listen, and pay attention to the treasure unmeasured that is here, now, in this moment.
When I tally the catches of the heart this week, I realize that I can see my life through the eyes of the six-year-old child that is within.
Today I can… speak, notice, wonder, celebrate, savor, and give without need for return, and receive without being stingy with my heart.
Enlightenment is expressed by being just where you are (says Zen master Suzuki Roshi). A woman told Roshi she found it difficult to mix Zen practice with the demands of being a householder, “I feel I am trying to climb a ladder, but for every step upward I slip backward two steps.”
“Forget the ladder,” the Roshi told her. “When you awaken everything is right here on the ground.”
No, this pilgrimage journey is not yet complete—as if that is ever possible. And I’m grateful this time, with Nancy, to “leave the trail” whenever, in and outside of the villages, wandering and exploring. It does my heart good.
Bottom line: We don’t have a timetabled arrival date.
On my walk, I’ve been carrying Howard Thurman’s reminder, “There must be always remaining in every life, some place for the singing of angels, some place for that which in itself is breathlessly beautiful.”
So. When I am asked: What did you do on your Portuguese Camino journey?
My answer: In places I didn’t expect, I have heard the singing of angels.
Yes, a Camino walk to embrace the ordinary, knowing it is the hiding place for the holy.
Although, here’s my confession: it is not always easy to live “in the present”. You know, one step at a time.
And here’s a Camino lesson I’ve been working on for a good while: the permission to let go of “scripts.” You know where we are supposed to be, and why.
Which raises the question about where our scripts come from, and why they are so important. What is it that we tether ourselves to? Some kind of necessity for arrival, I’m guessing. Like four-year-olds, five minutes out of the driveway on any family trip, “Are we there yet?”
I can see how that “scorekeeping” mindset leeches into so many parts of our lives. Even walking the Camino, on different stages, or on some days, deliberating if this part of the walk is a “better number” than others.
But here’s what I know: when I give into a script, or any way of keeping score, it is so easy to lose, and give up on, joy. And gladness. And gratitude. And yes, the singing of angels.
On my journey (without the script), there are questions I didn’t expect to stick with me. Did you see the winter blooms on the camellias? Or the way the charmed rock walls weather, after their second and third and fourth century?
Yesterday, we spent a bit of time in the Iglesia de San Francisco, and in Iglesia de Santa María la Mayor (in Pontevedra, Spain). A time to sit, and let the mind and heart settle. And then yes, to light a candle, in memory of loved ones, and for those who now (and still) gratefully help walk us home.
In Christian churches, the symbolism of light is central. From Judaism, we learned about the perpetual light that was kept burning in the Temple and synagogues, to show the presence of God. Now, in lighting a candle for someone we extend our prayers, and with the light, show solidarity with another person. Yes, we are walking one another home.
I was asked, “But do you believe this makes a difference?” Oh my. Truthfully, I don’t know what all I believe, but I do believe that there is a grace and sacred presence that carries my doubt and uncertainty, and helps guide my way.
Bottom line: savoring all the “little stuff”, along the Camino, has been—and continues to be—a healing balm.
Our Camino quote…
Caminante, no hay camino. (Traveler, there is no path.)
Se hace camino al andar. (The path must be forged as you walk.)
Antonio Machado
BULLETIN BOARD
Today’s Photo Credit: You may know the scallop shell. Like this one, which you see on every pillar of the Burgo Bridge. Many legends and myths surround the origin of the scallop shell’s connection to Saint James and the Camino. In French, the shell is called Coquille Saint Jacques. The shell’s lines represent the many different Camino routes across Europe, all converging at Santiago de Compostela. It acts as a metaphor for unity, direction, and shared purpose, and though interpretations about its orientation may vary, it is a symbol of being on the right path. Scallop shells often appear next to yellow arrows, which serve as the most accurate and trusted guideposts—especially the Camino Francés and the coastal Camino Portugués…. Thank you to all, I love your photos… please, keep sending them… send to terryhersheyster@gmail.com
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POEMS AND PRAYERS
A prayer for pilgrims
Guardian of my soul
Guide me on my way today.
Keep me safe from harm,
Deepen my relationship with you,
your earth, and all your family.
Strengthen your love within me
that I may be a presence of
your peace in our World. Amen
Joyce Rupp and Tom Pfeffer
A Friendship Blessing
by John O’Donohue
May you learn to be a good friend to yourself.
May you be able to journey to that place in your soul where
there is great love, warmth, feeling, and forgiveness.
May this change you.
May it transfigure that which is negative, distant, or cold in you.
May you be brought in to the real passion, kinship, and affinity of belonging.
May you treasure your friends.
May you be good to them
and may you be there for them;
may they bring you all the blessings, challenges, truth, and light
that you need for your journey.
May you never be isolated.
May you always be in the gentle nest of belonging with your anam ċara.
To Bless the Space Between Us
