Not just in the destination. And not because the journey is so easy, but precisely the opposite: challenge brings its own kind of joy.
The longer I try to live a life of faith, the more I believe this to be true. And the more I see the story John tells about the feeding of the 5,000 and the subsequent travel as a prime metaphor for what a life with him is like: challenging and joyful.
Jesus, exhausted from a long day, takes off alone to the mountainside. Jesus’ disciples, left alone and also exhausted after the long day, now had to endure a few more miles before bed. And not a quiet stroll down a country road, but miles of strenuous rowing through a storm, getting soaked to the bone, feeling the burn in their arms and abs as they fought the wind and waves.
Then the mental and emotional shock of seeing Jesus catching up to them on the water. Not rowing his own boat, but walking on his own two feet. “Stay calm! Keep rowing! It’s just me!”
Then, the moment he got into the boat, came a double dose of joy: He was with them again, and suddenly they found themselves on the other shore.
It was still dark. They were still exhausted. There was no indication that the storm had stopped. Yet they were glad. Because they eventually eventually dried off, found their beds, and rested. And because Jesus was with them.
