Sabbath Rest

Last night before supper Andy and  I walked over to Pension San Andres to make a reservation for Sunday night.  The four story Pension looked warm and inviting.  It sits on a quiet street across from the Plaza de Santiago in Estella,   The petite older woman could understand what we wanted and handed us the notebook to register.  She did not speak a word of English but we understood that we could drop off our backpacks right after leaving the Albergue.  At most all the places we have stayed you have to leave by 7:30 or 8:00.

We had decided some time ago that we would take off one day a week for rest and renewal.for our hearts, minds, and bodies on the Camino.  So when we arrived this morning about 8:15 and took off our packs in the lobby, it felt like we were setting our burdens down and it felt like home.  We saw there was WiFi so we were going to just chill for a while and then go to church at 9:00.  In just a few minutes our hostess came to get us and take us to our room.  What a gift....we didn't have to wait until late afternoon...we could have it all now.

Years ago we committed ourselves to Sabbath Rest on Sundays.  We have taught others about it for 11 years at Cedarly.  But, this was probably one of the best reminders of its importance in our lives ever!   The Jews have had a rhythm of Sabbath....three days before they say to themselves and probably others, "I can make it through the week because Sabbath is coming."  Three days after they say to themselves and probably others, "I can make it through the week because I've had Sabbath."
They are passionate and excited about Sabbath....they long for it and look forward to it.

I always thought we did, too.  But this morning when we walked into that room, I really got it.  I already cannot wait for our next Sabbath day on the Camino.  I have loved it...the walking, the scenery, the simple meals, the reflection, the interactions with people from around the world...all of it.  But, I really need these days of rest and renewal.  I am passionate and excited about them as never before.  I long for it and look forward to it...may it always be so.

We went to Mass at the Church of Saint John the Baptist on the Plaza de Los Fueros just minutes from the Pension.  There were not  many people there...mostly old people.  The church is ornate and beautiful.  It is one of many churches in the town.  I am not sure what the need is for so many.  The service was simple, the people knew when to stand, when to sit, and when to sing alleluia ....seemed a bit rote.  It was a beautiful setting and I knew they were worshiping God and celebrating communion but there was little connection or fellowship for me.

We stopped for coffee and a wonderful bakery treat after church and then followed a walking tour plan around town.  At the end of the 11th century, the Royal Pilgrim's Way to Santiago was being established...The French Way.  The new city of Estella-Lizarra was born to provide overnight shelter for the pilgrims on the banks of the River Ega.  So this community has been committed to pilgrims for a very long time.

The streets are narrow - many are cobblestone.  Most of the windows have a mini alcove with wrought iron gates...filled with flowers.  Shops occupy the street level and there are homes up above.  The streets were very, very quiet before noon today, and then bustling with families, kids playing soccer, biking or riding scooters - just like home.  Cafes opened and people were eating, laughing, enjoying the day off.  Now at four everything is quiet again.  Things will come alive again at happy hour with dinner following at 7:00.

We went back to our room and ate our cheese sandwiches, some chips, and apples at a little glass table on our balcony.  Very pleasant even with the sun shinning.  We washed out our dirty clothes in the mini bath tub under the shower and hung them out to dry on a nice wire rack provided for us on the balcony.  Worked great.  We are ready to go in the morning.  We also found some pliable wax to use like ear plugs...we heard from some fellow hikers that it is more effective.  We didn't sleep well again last night due to a chorus of nose noises.  Andy and I took naps and now need to read through the guide to see what to expect for tomorrow's walk.

We are grateful for this day and our daily bread.  All for now.