Three days from now is Easter Sunday. Many will be traveling to see parents, relatives or other extended family. The kids find hidden eggs loaded with candy while the adults feast on ham (or another chosen meat delicacy).
Perhaps the gatherings have already taken place. Finding days and times to schedule the get-togethers certainly can be a challenge. Whatever one’s individual situation, it’s an opportunity to visit family. For many, the journey isn’t that far and they see extended family quite frequently, meeting for birthdays, anniversaries, or…just to meet. It’s the often dreaded, rarely duplicated “surprise” drop-in. There really doesn’t need to be a big occasion. For others, they may not have the tradition of meeting as much as the patriarchs prefer, so the gatherings are reserved for major holidays, weddings, and, sadly, funerals.
Earlier this month, April 10, was Palm Sunday. I got a text message from my uncle in Michigan shortly before 9:30 p.m. He sent a few family photos from his granddaughter’s confirmation. All seven grandchildren were there. It was a proud moment, no question. Also, it was a reminder that for one day, all of the planning, preparation worked out. His granddaughter was part of a confirmation class at a Lutheran church in Michigan, and it was an opportunity to mark that moment in time with a photograph. The journey, which began years before, was continuing but this was a great time to pause, to document where that trip is at now.
For all the busyness of life, getting to an appointment on time, the non-stop interruptions for many factors that are beyond one’s control, whatever the scenario, reflecting on the simple moments on the journey may be the best part.
