My family doesn’t travel a lot due to a variety of reason but when we do it’s special. There’s excitement of the anticipation of going to a “new” place or a destination. But it also involves tons of angst and worry. It takes planning to make the trip go smoothly (and by smoothly I mean not a complete ship-wreck). As the kids have gotten older we have been able to travel more and more. Still not super far from home. Usually it’s a couple hours away to visit family and friends.

This weekend we are going to my son’s state basketball for Special Olympics. It’s been an event circled on our calendar for months now. Last year we went too and he got to eat Froot Loops for breaksfast at the hotel. We aren’t staying in a hotel this time but he wanted to keep things like last year and so I pick up a couple small bowls of Tuscan Sam’s favorite cereal. I think it helped with his anxiety. My son was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and he can sometimes struggle with change. Consistency is key for him to stay regulated. And I suppose that’s the same for many of us.

We like to stick with what is familiar. To stay in the comfort of our daily routine and to know what to expect. And that is a good. It is good to have a habit and order in our lives. But it is not the highest good. When our need for control overcomes other goods and ultimately the highest Good (who is God) that is when it begins a problem.

I am writing this reflection on Palm Sunday, the start of the most important week of the liturgical calendar: Holy Week. The Cathoilic Church in Her wisdom has guided the faithful in preparing for this week during all of Lent. Lent is a time to fasting, increase our prayer, and be generous with our time, talents, and treasures. And we are called to an even deeper penance this Holy Week.

I think it is fitting that I am traveling while writing (I’m in the passenger seat so don’t worry) and it’s on Palm Sunday. As Catholics we are called to enter into the Mysery of the Lord’s Paschal Mystery.