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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 to these questions is that we must do both.
The purpose of a Christian life is found in the faith we cultivate, the work we do while 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 we’ve been given by God, 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 and deeper meaning when we place them, 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. That we continue to grow in our spiritual lives, once we start taking steps, is what matters most.
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
A moral virtue, patience enables us to persevere in the face of 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.
In our state of journeying, we are greatly in need of patience.
To cultivate the virtue of patience, we must accept that we are not in control. The timeline and most of the conditions of our lives are not up to us.
We need to keep taking steps, though the journey might take us through unknown lands and challenging grounds. 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 state of journeying, courage is what keeps us taking steps even though we feel confused, the road gets steep, and the path gets dark, because we know we are not walking alone.
We are filled and fueled by courage when we allow God to walk with us; when we 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 a true state of surrender when we yield to God’s will, trust in His guidance and plan, and relinquish control. It’s not about giving up or being weak, but rather the act of holding on to a profound faith in God’s love and wisdom.
In our state of journeying, we must make the active choice to surrender, moment after moment, day after day. This is not a one-time event, but a daily practice.
It is through complete surrender to the will of God that 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
In our state of journeying, we have a constant companion. In the earthly life of Jesus 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, that’s an indication that 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 the selecting, the planting, the growing, the watering, the pruning, and the sharing of our daily toil with joy.
The destination will be the final harvest, and the sharing of the treasure that is being kept there with care by God.
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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