The Triumphal Entry.

It was after 6pm. Most of the people on the bus were sleeping, dreaming of the unbelievable experiences we had shared during the past three days in beautiful Galilee. My own mind was flooded with images of plunging under the cold waters of the River Jordan as I remembered my baptism; of watching the waves on Lake Galilee and realizing that Jesus had walked on them; of quietly praying in the church at the Mount of Beatitudes; of seeing shepherds leading their sheep down green hillsides; of collecting pebbles on the shore of Lake Galilee where the resurrected Jesus cooked breakfast for his disciples. My overriding impression of Galilee was one of peace...a place where I could connect with the One who walked there.
And into these memories, these dreams, music began to play over the loudspeakers in the coach. I opened my eyes to see lights twinkling in the distance, and the impressive silhouette of a golden dome peeking above city walls. We were riding into Jerusalem, as the song played loud Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Lift Up Your Voice and Sing... and I couldn't help but think about Jesus, who rode into that same city, 2000 years before. We were leaving the peace and calm of Galilee behind, and were about to enter the hustle and bustle of this incredible city, with its many vendors, and peoples, and distractions, and noise.  No wonder Jesus wept over Jerusalem...a place where he would be betrayed and where he would breathe his last. And I wonder if Jesus cries over our cities too...and the hustle and bustle of the distracted lives we lead.
And so this is my challlenge...to myself, and all who read these words. Where is your Galilee? Where is that place where you can connect with the One who walked for you? Find it this week. Go there often. Reconnect deeply with the author of life. It will impact your ministry and truly make it a Holy Week.