Day 6 (June 18, 2022)

1 Peter 4:10

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.

Romans 12:13

Share with the Lord’s people who are in need.  Practice hospitality.

On June 18 in the afternoon, after three long days of hiking, 8 of our 19 GSLC St. Cuthbert Way's pilgrims arrived at the Mill House in Kirk Yetholm, Scotland, close to the Scottish Borders with England. We were bedraggled, foot-sore, and more than a little smelly.

We'd met many special and many gracious people by this point in our journey:  the two little Ukranian girls and their grandma who are being given refuge by a lovely Scottish family, the athletic couple from Holland who are intrigued by our large group size and asked many questions about GSLC, the volunteer museum docent in Melrose who allowed us to enter the museum very close to closing time and joined us for refreshments after his shift was over, and more. 

We've stayed in many places along this journey, of course, and stopped for many meals. Yes, we've been served at each of these stops.

However, Claire, the proprietress of The Mill House, took special care of us 8 pilgrims for nearly two days. She and her husband cooked breakfasts that included locally raised foods and homemade jams. She laundered Chuck's clothes upon learning he was one of our 5 travellers whose luggage never arrived (and is therefore carrying a very small set of clothes in his backpack). She packed delicious lunches for us to eat on the trail. When we needed directions to our meeting place in the next town she hand drew a map and explained for us. 

Claire sent us on our way on Saturday morning and now, after another day of hiking The Holy Island of Lindisfarne, the homes of St. Aidan and Cuthbert, is in sight. We left Claire and the Mill House restored and refreshed. . .and blessed by her care. 

May we all share our gifts of hospitality and service as we encounter others in our journey through life. 

Praise God from whom all blessings flow,

Mary & David Adams