Randy Suits

We’re No Longer Running with the Bulls

My Darling Eve,

The fiestas of San Fermin are celebrated in Pamplona, Spain every year from 6 July to 14 July. The bulls are lead through the streets of the old quarter to the bullring by runners. I was surprised to find that women run with the bulls although the overwhelming majority are men. Pamplona is filled with visitors and tourists for the annual festivities, excitement and bull fights. The fiestas are celebrated in honor of San Fermin, a patron saint of Navarra, but the religious aspect has become secondary over the years. The fiestas are now seen as a mass gathering of people where partying, fun, riotous living and the joy of it all are first and foremost. The Encierro (running of the bulls) starts at the corral in Cuesta de Santo Domingo. When the clock of the Church of San Cernin strikes 8:00 AM, two rockets are launched. Then the bulls charge behind the runners for 825 meters to the bullring.    .

There is an emotional prelude to each day as the runners raise their rolled newspapers and chant to an image of San Fermin, ” We ask San Fermin, being our patron saint, to guide us in the bull run and give us his blessing.” Then they shout, “Viva San Fermin! Goa San Fermin!” This chant is sung 5 times, three times before 8 AM and then at 3 minutes and 1 minute before the gate of the corral is opened. Then the bulls are released and the mad dash of runners and crazed bulls begins. A third rocket is fired when all the bulls have entered the bullring. A 4th rocket is fired when the bulls are safely in the corral inside the bullring and the run is finished. For public safety, and security, a double fence (planks, posts gates, etc), lines the route between the corral and the bull ring. Not everyone can run the Encierro. It requires, cool nerves, quick reflexes and good physical fitness. It is a highly risky endeavor.  Our love is a primary reason why we are no longer running with the bulls of daily life. Our life decision to be one delivered us from mad confusion, chaos and uncertainty. This brought instead perpetual happiness, peace, contentment and meaning for life. In the listlessness of youth, we meandered through our life mistaking adventure, fun, excitement and even danger as fulfillment, accomplishment and success. When we fell short of a goal, we took what we could get (take) and settled for the consolation prize. We never experienced fullness of accomplishment. When we attained a dream we thought would give great pride of accomplishment, we were disappointed to find that we were left with an empty feeling and the thought, ‘Is that all there is?’ We imagined that our successful run with the bulls would be more than a fleeting moment of exhilaration. Now it was done and we were empty once more. Together we no longer experience the delusions of a self-centered life. We run together in a race of Life that yields peace, joy, happiness and contentment. For me, it is enough to read about the yearly bull run in Pamplona, Spain or watch it on TV together. I know that you would prefer to be present during the running, and with you beside me, I would consent to be present. (This is one of many events I would only attend with you. You are my constant adventurer who challenges me to come out of my shell) I would probably have to insist that you watch, in safety, with me instead of joining the run with the bulls! (Often you need restraint in your pursuit of adventure. That’s my job – to protect you from your zeal for adventure.) Today our run is in the great race for Life in Christ Jesus and your man is pleased that God made us one for his glory.

Let our race be for the glory of God Most High,Kochany