Travel

Most of us at points in our lives will have travelled, whether that be on holiday or to visit family or friends, see a special sight or place, attend a concert. There’s a long list. Sometimes we can just ‘go’ but usually none of this can be done without some preparation. How to get there, what’s the best method and route, do I need to pack anything. Tomorrow we leave our ‘base’ and travel to Barcelona to begin an adventure that takes us to some Greek Islands, Türkiye and ending up in Rome for a few days. Imagine for a moment the planning, the packing, the maps and methods we’ve looked into in an attempt to make this travel experience the best we can.
Of course not all travel goes well and I think especially of those who planned and went to the celebrations in Liverpool on Monday only for the tragic events to unfold before their eyes. My prayers are for all involved, for speedy recoveries and thanks for emergency services and to good will given by strangers to others injured. Humanity at its best. Nothing could have prepared you for this.
As Christians we are told our life is a journey. In this context this is about travelling through life, being prepared for things that will happen, prepared to speak to strangers, help people and, of course, spread the news about Jesus. The end of the journey being life eternal with Christ. I don’t know about other Christian denominations but a Methodist Minister’s time in active ministry uses the word travel to describe how long they have been on the journey as a minister.
So, as I pack a suitcase (large) and prepare for planes, ships, taxis, buses, trains….and look forward to a new experience in what I hopefully will see and meeting new people, I pray that we all continue to prepare and journey through life, whether you have faith or not, being open to new experiences,new things and relationships each day.