walking with family during holy week

I returned home last week after my travel to Arizona. Ideas I had for blog posts were put to the side as there was little time to sit with my thoughts.

Instead of having time for posts, I had time with family.

What follows is my walk from Palm Sunday through Easter Day. The psalm lines are from the psalms appointed for each day.

The day prior to my departure, I attended Palm Sunday church services with my parish family in north Georgia. The service began outside the church front doors, with parishioners carrying palm branches into the sanctuary.

“The Lord is our God,
    and God has given us light!
Start the celebration!
March with palm branches
    all the way to the altar.” Psalm 118:27

On Monday in Holy Week I flew to Phoenix to visit my sister.

“Your love is faithful, Lord,
and even the clouds in the sky
    can depend on you.” Psalm 36:5

At dusk my sister and I chased the sunset.

On Tuesday of Holy Week she and I walked the desert at San Tan Regional Park.

“We depend on you, Lord,
    to help and protect us.” Psalm 33:20

We later joined three of our cousins for lunch and happy conversation.

“You make our hearts glad
because we trust you,
    the only God.” Psalm 18:21

On Wednesday in Holy Week my sister and I drove south to Tucson. We took the back roads where we were greeted with an abundance of wildflowers.

“This day belongs to the Lord!
Let’s celebrate
    and be glad today” Psalm 118:25

My brother met us along the way. We three spent time walking at Catalina State Park.

“Celebrate and worship
his holy name
    with all your heart.” 105:3

From there we headed to my brother and my sister-in-law’s home for a delicious dinner and delightful conversation, plus a sunset to wrap up the day.

“The Lord has done this,
    and it is amazing to us.” Psalm 118 23

On Maundy Thursday we went to the desert. We spent hours driving and walking through Saguaro National Stare Park.

“I love you, Lord!
    You answered my prayers.” Psalm 116:1

That evening we dined with my two nephews and their families for a wonderful Mexican dinner. The most delicious things on the menu were the conversations.

On Good Friday my sister, brother and I attended church at Saint Philip’s in the Hills, Tucson.

“From the day I was born,
    I have been in your care,
and from the time of my birth,
    you have been my God.” Psalm 22:10

After the service, we said our goodbyes and my sister and I drove north to her home.

“Don’t stay far away, Lord!
My strength comes from you.” Psalm 22:19

On Saturday in Easter Week I flew home.

“You, Lord God,
are my mighty rock
    and my fortress.” Psalm 31:3

On Easter Day, I joined others in my home parish in saying… “The Lord is Risen, The Lord is Risen Indeed!”

“Tell the Lord
    how thankful you are,
because he is kind
    and always merciful“. Psalm 118:1

Eight days walking with family. Eight days walking with God.

Traveling mercies.