Today on the way from Molinaseca, through the city of Ponferrada to Cacebelos, we were showered with gifts. A woman tending her garden offered us a large tomato and a stem-full of cherry tomatoes. We devoured the cherry tomatoes as if they were candy, and saved the large tomato for later.
About an hour later we passed a wine co-op.
One of the workers gave us a freshly-picked bunch of grapes. We ate and shared.
Like any grace freely given, we are invited to gratefully accept such gifts ("Amazing Grapes, how sweet the taste").
We recalled our earlier outrage as an over-enthusiastic peregrina lept over the ditch dividing the Camino path from a vineyard, and pulled a big, lush bunch of grapes off someone's vines. We try not to harshly judge someone like that, but can't help but see the contrast between the seized opportunity and the humble, grateful acceptance of an undeserved gift.
As we walked along towards Cacebelos we saw the gift of the earth as it was grown, harvested, hauled, pressed, bottled, served and enjoyed.
Buen Camino!