Travel Time – Is Getting There Half the Fun?

They say that getting there is half the fun. I’m not sure who “they” are. Maybe it’s the travel industry. I am not sure they can say that anymore. Plane delays, cramped seats, traffic jams, car repairs, and the unknown always taking place.

But it surely isn’t my family’s mantra.

Whenever I did my road trips with my son, he would always fall asleep when I wanted him to drive. I think he was faking. And my wife can’t sleep when I’m driving. I kind of take that personally. She doesn’t ever complain, but the foot through the floorboard, the gasps and the rolling of the eyes shout loudly.

When I was a kid (long before car seat laws), our family took few vacations. And when we did, we traveled in our Crowne Victoria with all four kids piled in the back. Our longest trip was from NoVa (northern Virginia) to Disney World. Getting there was NOT half the fun. Maybe me being the smallest, youngest, and most picked on made this trip not so pleasurable.

However, this was my first (and only) trip I ever took to Disney World. And there was a bit of excitement, anticipation, and deep desire to see the magical kingdom. I remember seeing pirates, going to a haunted house, riding the teacups, and even think I saw Tony Orlando and Dawn. (Yes, that long ago!)

So yes, the trip was magical. I still have my chalk drawn caricature of me.

Can you imagine the trip of the Magi to Israel. The anticipation. The discussions along the way. The selfies taken at the Babylonian departure, the desert dunes, the crossing the Jordan, group picture with Herod, and the star over the shoulder of the three in front of the stable. The memories of the awe when they saw the Christ Child, and the passion when they shared the stories on their return home.

This journey. This adventure. This pilgrimage. It may have been a wonderful experience, but it pales in comparison to seeing the Immanuel.

We are on a journey too. And it may seem exciting or depressing. It may be full of mountain tops and low valleys. It may be magical. Or it may seem to be nothing but a long trip through a desolate wilderness. Whatever your journey is like, we can long for the greater and greatest experience that eternity with God beholds for His children.

I hope Christmas encourages you to seek the Christ, the Son of God, the Light of the World, the Savior of all who call on Him.

The journey may be exciting, but the destination will be greater.