Godcident

13 September 2015

Orrisson, France

“Godcidence”

Because there is a sudden congestion of pilgrims starting the Camino, rooms were hard to find at St. Jean Pied de Port.  Many places were already “Completo.” That is, all full.  After getting my new Credentials at the official Camino Pilgrims Office, most were in a scramble to find a place to sleep.  I was directed that there may be just two right in town that “might” have a room left.

 Here was my first incident that God provided, what I’ve once heard identified as a “Godcidence.” We stumble across these throughout our days as “blessings” we’ve actually recognized. Here was mine today.  I walked into the one of two last open albergues to discover that it was the one I stayed in 2013.  It was an instant déjà vu seeing Eric, the proprietor, again. He was so enduring because of the philosophical nature about him. He would wait until the registration line would fill the small lobby and he would stop all registering. He’d use his deep, but French accented, Lloyd Barrymore tone of voice as if on stage. His monologue would begin. “Friends, you are about to embark on a rare life challenge.  Many falsely believe that ‘they’ are walking the Camino. Not true. The Camino walks you.  Surrender yourself to it, listen to her speaking, and you will discover your real self.” The Camino sermon of sorts continues with everyone’s rapped attention. The majority are new pilgrims and are brimming with anxiety and silent fears. Later that evening I was used by Him as new pilgrims’ Godincident.  Having walked the Camino two years earlier, many clung to any advice I could offer and answer their questions.

I am so grateful that there are an abundance of English speaking pilgrims in our group. Yes, a Godcident considering the frustration and solitude of having no one to speak with, share life stories, as well to share ah ha moments of the stunning mountain landscapes. 

This first Camino day began with an intense and brutal 19 degree walk with the first leg being the steepest incline up the mountain about 2000 feet.  It was a cardiac stress test par excellence.  I stepped slow, dug with my trekking poles, and stopped for water and a moment or two for settling my breath every few hundred meters. 

All during this morning’s climb I was in a dilemma.  Orrisson, France at this 2000 ft location about mid mountain is also the only location of the mid mountain climb where there is this sole albergue (pronounced Al ber gay) where a pilgrim can get a bunk and shower for the night.  The town comprises a single building surrounded by farms located between the start at St. Jean Pied de Port and Roncesvalles, a full distance of 27 km.  My reservation was for September 14 but I chose to chance the climb on this day, September 13 to resist a new rain storm expected late on the 14^th.  The dilemma faced me the morning of the 13^th.  Which should I confront: the entire 27km or a night’s stay midway a day later.

Because the connection to our Lady on the 13^th I chose to set out fully dependent on her intercession.  When I reached 1500 feet, the “Sound of Music” like mountain landscape was not enough consolation I was suffering. Carrying this small lap top for blogging weighs 2.5 pounds which has been a critical difference.  In addition, my health was being challenged by carrying a heavier bag than I should.

I was getting anxious. “Should I call it quits in Orrisson and hire a taxi?” This might be a good health-wise choice, but one I would regret forever.  “Should I look to have my backpack delivered ahead?” However, nightmares have resulted with the backpack arriving at the wrong location and the pilgrims clueless as to where to find it.  “What should I do Lord?” I asked.

I staggered into Orrisson dripping with sweat and weary. Just by chance they might fit me in. The counter help firmly told me, “No, es completo!” That is, their full.  I explained my reservation mix up and that I already paid for the night on the 14^th.  Same response, “No!”  I asked if I could get a refund. Again, “No! No!”  I paused for a brief moment of contemplation on what appeared to be the obvious fate- I would need to somehow muscle up and continue up the Pyrenees another 3000 feet and 19 kms followed by a precipitous 4 km descent into Roncesvalles.  With my boots seemingly glued to the floor in front of that Orrisson counter, the owner appeared from a lonely spot behind the bar.  He engaged the young man waiting on me with an involved, serious conversation while flipping back and forth in their registration log.  In a complete change of attitude, the young man said, “Let me splain (explain) to you.  We give you a room for tonight. You pay for tonite. If we rent the room tomorrow, we rebate your fee back to you via Paypal. So, what you do?”  

I stood there staggering from heaven’s lightning bolt of grace unable to fully comprehend this immediate about face in position by the staff.  I did a little mental rehearsal of the struggle I was having on the ascent. A quick reminder came of feeling my heart rate accelerated far too fast and alarmingly. Then the thought breached through the cloud of my disbelief. “Willie, this is grace.  Accept it.” And I humbly finished the registration and was escorted to the same room in which I bunked in 2013.  A lovely room overlooking the Pyrenees Mountains and their multiple shades of green patchwork-like farm fields a couple thousand feet below. 

Godcidence? Or coincidence? I know what I know what I know.  God is present and He loves and cares for me/us.  And why not? He has his Momma, our Lady, pleading for care and mercy for their kids.

What I learned today in God’s classroom I’d like to offer to you. May I suggest a heightened attention to moments you might be experiencing currently?  Even today, are there events within the day when you catch yourself allowing “luck” to take credit for a Godcidence?  On the other end, perhaps something you had hoped would occur- didn’t. You might call it bad luck. But was it? Perhaps our good Father denied it or is postponing an event for a richer time? And a harder lesson I’ve heard, “God sometimes removes people from our life to protect us. Don’t run after them.” God alone truly sustains us.

There is my consolation and reflection for me/for us.  We live in peace in the acceptance of what he places in our life.  Pay attention for the Godcidences.  They are the lingering fragrances of his presence around you and me. A nice reminder, true?

Fondly,

Deacon Willie Williams, DW