In 2018, my husband and I—on our own—took a trip to Israel.

I had always wanted to see the places of the Bible—Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Masada, Nazareth—and we did. We saw so many of those cities.

But what impressed me most was Galilee.

Going to Jerusalem is like visiting New York –busy, wall-to-wall people, tons of buses. Did I enjoy it? Yes—but it was a fast blur of heat, people, and historic sites.

Galilee, on the other hand, is soothing. It is slow-paced. It invites you to sit by the sea, take in Peter’s home, and see where Jesus preached his first message.

Drink—relax—reflect.

That is Galilee.

During Holy Week, when I look at my schedule—I see a whole lot of “Jerusalem”—lots of people and lots to do.

So, I am making a point of scheduling in some Galilee.

Time to reflect.

Time to appreciate.

Time to repent.

Time to realize what Lent is really about: connecting with Jesus.

Galilee is a gift. It is a place of respite. Of loveliness. Of peace.

No less the Galilean. He is peace, love, grace and forgiveness incarnate.

So, during these next two weeks, as we, like Jesus, make our way through Jerusalem—let us not forget to spend time in Galilee.

With the Galilean.

Always, with Him