A New Creation
A New Creation
by Joyce DeToni-Hill | St. George, UT
I avoided them at every chance.
“They” were a group of 15 Spanish pilgrims I encountered mid-Meseta. I experienced them as loud and obnoxious. At Hontanas, they pattered using outside voices, while I ruminated in my inner bubble. They crowded the road under San Antón’s arches as I limped around. They caught up with me at a bar in Castrojeriz. The barkeeper graciously handed me my cola first so I wouldn’t have to wait behind them. A group member told me to leave the only shade, as he was saving space for his group. Oh, and did I mention my irritating blister? The world looks different with a blister.
I winced when “those pilgrims” waved a chirpy “Buen Camino!” after I missed the turn for Quinta San Francisco. Jeez, couldn’t they tell I had a blister as big as a bagel—and today was Mother’s Day for crying out loud!
By morning the blister was better, thanks to sleep and the soothing sounds of NPR playing in the lobby. But something went awry while descending Alto de Mostelares. First, a hot spot. Then pain.
I doddered in agony into the picnic area and there they were. This time I was prepared to fight for a spot. But there was no fight as I slumped to the table. All eyes were fixed on their friend, lying on the ground with heat exhaustion. I offered her electrolytes before removing my shoe. The blister had returned to bagel size.
The group surrounded me like an emergency room team, one pilgrim barking orders to the rest. Like the loaves and fishes, a whole farmacia of supplies appeared. One peregrino inserted a thread. Another took over with meticulous bandaging. I sat at full attention as their leader lectured me about never letting a blister get that bad. After exchanging electrolytes and bandages, we parted with blessings for a Good Way.
An hour later, sailing into Bar Manzana, I was greeted by a table cheer from my 15 new friends, all eager to know how I was faring. I assured them I was never better, thanks to their care. I asked after the well-being of the overheated woman, who smiled broadly, “Muy bien, thank you for your gift.”
In the Christian tradition, the Apostle Paul declares that a new creation happens when strangers welcome each other through mutual care.
I am especially grateful. By the way, I tossed those shoes!
