Good Friday Musings: A Day in the Countryside and A Personal Tale About Family, Nature, Belief and Tradition

Embracing simplicity on Good Friday

Look at that magical looking bamboo tree

Rice cooking the old-school way

Water spinach (kangkong) growing

Crabs my uncles caught

Our wonder dog Sofia enjoying the water

My daughter from afar

Can you hear that?

My daughter and our dog in the water

Calmness of the river

Good evening, amazing people and a blessed Good Friday to those who celebrate it.

Good Friday, the day when we (Catholics and other Christian beliefs) commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus and his death, is a day of solemnity and reflection. But for me, it has always been more than just that. It is a day when my daughter and I leave the hustle and bustle of our everyday lives and retreat to the comforting embrace of our family home in the farmland. This year was no different. We packed our bags yesterday afternoon, our hearts filled with anticipation for the tranquility that awaited us.

A mere half-hour later, we arrived at my mother's house, a place that always feels like a warm hug. The house had seen countless family gatherings, laughter, tears, and memories. The place where we always return, especially during Holy Week, is not just to spend time with family but also to reflect on our lives and our faith. The morning of Good Friday greeted us with a gentle, cool breeze, the chirping of the birds, and the smell of the earth that only the countryside can offer. Our furry friend (Sofia), who stays with my mom, was as excited as we were. With his tail wagging and his eyes gleaming with excitement, we knew it was the perfect day for a walk to the river close to mom's house.

The river, a place that holds countless memories, was alive with activity. We saw a few families setting up their picnic spots, their laughter and chatter adding to the symphony of nature. My uncles, with their seasoned hands, were busy catching crabs, their faces etched with concentration and excitement. The sight was heartwarming and took me back to the days when I was a child, running around and playing without a care in the world. We couldn't resist the inviting coolness of the river, so we took a few minutes to splash around.

Our dog, a bundle of energy, was in his element, his joy evident in his playful splashes and barks. The view was breathtaking, and the calmness of the river reflected the peace in our hearts. It was the kind of quiet I crave—a silence that allows you to hear your thoughts, to reflect, and to simply be. While we were there, we bumped into my cousin, who was generous enough to share some food with us. We had a little chat, catching up on each other's lives, sharing stories, and laughing at old memories. It was a simple yet meaningful interaction, a reminder of the importance of family and connections.

After a while, we decided to head back home. Our walk back was filled with contentment and gratitude. Looking at my daughter and our happy dog, I felt a sense of peace wash over me. It was indeed a day of rest, a day to step back from the complexities of life and enjoy the simple pleasures it offers. This Good Friday was not just a religious observance, but a day filled with love, reflection, and joy. It was a reminder of the importance of family, of taking the time to appreciate the beauty around us, and of the peace that comes from simply being in the moment. It was a day that reminded me that sometimes the simplest experiences can bring the most joy and that, in the midst of our busy lives, it's important to take a step back and appreciate the world around us.

So, as we commemorate the sacrifice and love of Jesus on this Good Friday, let's also remember to cherish the love of our family, the beauty of nature, and the simple joys that life offers. Because, in the end, these are the things that truly matter. In the quiet of the farmland, under the shade of the trees, by the side of the river, I found my peace. I found my moment of reflection. I found my Good Friday.

I hope you all are having a great Holy Week wherever you are in the world!

⊱ღ One love ⊱ღ
@bloghound

Published:
March 29, 2024, 11:45 p.m. PST
In between the farm and the beach
Philippines

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