Should we focus on the journey or the destination?
We’ve all heard the saying, “It’s not the destination, it’s the journey.” However, as Christians, we believe this whole earthly life is pointing to a higher place…
We are all called to keep our treasures in heaven.
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Matthew 6:21
How then are we to reconcile these two human and Christian prerogatives? Are we supposed to embrace the journey, here and now, or keep our eyes on the prize?
“Do you know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So, run that you may obtain it.”
1 Corinthians 9:24
The answer is that we must do both.
The purpose of a Christian life lies in the faith we cultivate, the work we do on this earthly journey, and the hope of reaching our final destination, our reward, our treasure.
The length of the journey, the specific tasks we are here to accomplish, the talents and gifts we may have to work with- none of that is ours to choose, assign, control, or even change.
But we do have the choice to stand still, ignore, waste, resent, deny, or embrace, celebrate, or put to work. We can passively watch the earthly life God has given us, or we can participate.
The plan of salvation and our part in the story are ongoing.
This means that even though we are not the authors of the story, each one of us has a role to play. We have our everyday duties, jobs, and families. But everything gains greater, deeper meaning when we place it, selflessly, in the service of God.
Only God sees the bigger picture.
All the little and big things we do here and now, as we travel on this journey, should be embraced as ends in themselves, and also as means to the ultimate end, our destination…
Because our destination is the bigger picture!
Understanding this truth is only a stepping stone in a path that stretches far into the horizon. What matters most is that we keep growing spiritually once we start taking steps.
The path of spiritual growth is the one we’re all on. The journey is meant to have ups and downs. The road will have patches of darkness and light, moments to run, hide, fight, pray, sing, and rest.
The good news is that we are not alone on this journey.
Everyday disciples, Apostles, saints, holy men and women, and ordinary people have walked the way before. And they have left powerful breadcrumbs for our earthly and spiritual journeys.
Patience
As a moral virtue, patience helps us persevere through adversity, hardships, and trials without resentment, sadness, or succumbing to discouragement. Patience is the source of our endurance, acceptance, and trust.
When we pray with the fourth sorrowful mystery of the Rosary, we meditate on the words “I desire the virtue of patience” and ask the Lord to help us carry our crosses without complaint.
As we journey, we greatly need patience.
To cultivate patience, we must accept that we are not in control. The timeline and most conditions in our lives are not up to us.
We still need to keep taking steps, even if the journey takes us through unknown lands and challenging ground. We need to trust in God’s plan, will, and guidance.
“But about that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”
Matthew 25:36
Courage
Courage means boldness, firmness, and confidence. It means spiritual strength, steadfastness, and determination in the face of pain, grief, and struggles.
In our journey, courage keeps us moving even when we feel confused, the road grows steep, and the path grows dark, because we know we are not walking alone.
We are filled and fueled by courage when we let God walk with us, rely on His infinite strength, and trust in His presence, power, and promises.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9
Surrender
We experience true surrender when we yield to God’s will, trust His guidance and plan, and relinquish control. It’s not about giving up or being weak, but about holding on to a profound faith in God’s love and wisdom.
As we journey, we must actively choose to surrender, moment after moment, day after day. This is not a one-time event, but a daily practice.
Through complete surrender to God’s will, we manifest our humility, obedience, and confidence in God.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
Proverbs 3:5-6
As we journey, we have a constant companion. In Jesus’ earthly life and the physical and spiritual challenges He faced, we find a wellspring of patience, courage, and surrender.
When the journey gets rough, dark, scary, unmanageable, or even unbearable, it’s a sign we are trying to take control away from God’s hands.
Let Him be your compass and guide. Lean on His infinite arm.
Our journey through this life was meant to be a gift. An opportunity to cultivate the soil of our souls, sow good seeds, cultivate our garden, and produce good fruit.
The journey is selecting, planting, growing, watering, pruning, and sharing our daily toil with joy.
The destination is the final harvest, sharing the treasure God keeps there with care.
If you like to ponder these subjects, join us as we tend and grow these humble mustard seeds. We hope you’ll be inspired to sow your own. Come back weekly, or subscribe below!
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