Is it the Journey or the Destination?

My 9th graders are reading the Odyssey and so I am rereading the epic poem. The unit begins with a question: IS IT THE JOURNEY OR THE DESTINATION? I honestly did not bother presenting this question to my class, but it's been lingering at the back of my mind for weeks and then popped up the other night as I watched a movie called The Way.

The movie draws few similarities to Homer's Odyssey, but nevertheless, the themes seem to revolve around the same question. Martin Sheen stars in his son's [Emilio] film about a father paying homage to his deceased son who died on a pilgrimage across France and Spain to the Atlantic Ocean. Not only is the film visually striking (who doesn't like rolling hills and quaint villages with remnants of the Romanesque, Baroque, and Gothic architecture?) but the actors bring desperate characters to life.

Although the pilgrimage is usually a spiritually journey, each character has their own unique reason for trekking the El Camino de Santiago (the way of St. James). Along the way, Martin Sheen's character picks up 3 tag-alongs who seem to be more of a disturbance to him. One of his unwelcome companions likes to take the route slowly, enjoying each rounded bend in the road, each new scenic change, and each village's food speciality. In contrast, Martin Sheen walks briskly, with purpose and determination to reach the end of the El Camino.

While watching this film I kept thinking- what IS more important? At times, I feel as though I am constantly looking forward to the destination and in doing so, I forget the journey. I forget to notice the beauty that surrounds me, the people whom I love, and the conversations I have. So in this way, I believe the journey should be valued and treasured. However, God does not want us to get caught up in worldly materials. Our ultimate destination is in Heaven with our Lord Savior who has given us life. How can the journey be more important than that?

I have come to this conclusion: Both are equally important. The trick is learning to balance the two in perfect harmony (something I have difficulty with). But the journey is nothing without The Mission. Our mission as Christians is the reason we have a journey and destination to look forward to.  Enjoy what God has given you on this journey of life! Enjoy the moments you have to further His kingdom.

Which is more important to you?