11 Comments
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Randy Johnson's avatar

Good story much to ponder. May I recommend a book? The Ragamuffin Gospel by Brennan Manning.

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Bill Poindexter's avatar

What a great title I will check it out

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Randy Johnson's avatar

You’ll enjoy it.

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Vince's avatar

Interesting experience and perceptions. Humans can always do better in caring for each other, but theologies and the bureaucracy of those theologies in no way guarantee kindness, compassion, and empathy. In fact history has shown us that it is usually the opposite. One thing to consider is you already had food, water, and shelter, something so many others do not have at all. I would hope your deity of choice would be more concerned about them than the situation you were experiencing. I do wish you safe journeys on your bicycle and many enjoyable miles.

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Bill Poindexter's avatar

And it begs the question, what would Jesus have done?

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Bill Poindexter's avatar

Good words, thank you. Will think on it. The main purpose was to share the moment, and what i thought would happen, a place to lay my bedding, and be with God. Human emotions and vanity perhaps arose. What I told was how I felt authentically at that moment.

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Glen Goodnough's avatar

Bill, I enjoyed your post. Optimistically, perhaps your presence started a conversation among all those monks about the virtue of flexibility and implementing that virtue in the future! Doubtful.

My next post, coincidentally, will be partly about riding sections of the Via Francigena in Italy and meeting a bikepacking pilgrim who had better luck than you in terms of accommodations. Also , would it be possible to direct message you? I have a question that is best asked in that manner.

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Bill Poindexter's avatar

Hi Glen sure you are welcome as all the reach out via email, poindexterrecruiting@gmail.com, look forway to your next post!

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Paula Youmell, WiseWomanNurse®'s avatar

I’m surprised you didn’t ride off the grounds a short distance and set up camp in the trees somewhere.

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Bill Poindexter's avatar

I know, totally could have but there was daylight for 4 more hours, and honestly, I just felt like I wanted to get far away from the Monastery, I am one who is you don't want me around, i will find another who wants my company. There were plenty of places to steath camp, I did the next night. Thank for the comment.

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Paula Youmell, WiseWomanNurse®'s avatar

I so get that!

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