And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken. (Ecclesiastes 4:12 ESV)
Travel and Love
Explorer James Cook never traveled alone. He claimed that the value of a companion beside him outweighed the complex difficulties that other humans bring in their luggage. He believed that travel-mates bring perspective, protection, and pleasure.
Other explorers preferred to be alone. Daniel Boone, for example, seemed to explore because he preferred to be on his own. But even Boone, in a sense, was exploring looking for the ideal community.
Whether we are considering a travel-companion for a vacation to Iceland, a trip to the grocery store, or on life’s journey, it is worth contemplating what sort of companion is best.
The ideal companion is someone that you love.
Not necessarily romantically, or platonically, or familial-ly, but rather in the sense that you are willing and able to be unselfish with them. Traveling improves when you are aiming your thoughts, words, and deeds towards the good of someone else. Life, in fact, improves when you are aiming your thoughts, words, and deeds towards the good of someone else.
Cook would probably agree. A companion only concerned with their own safety, is not able to protect. A companion only concerned with their own point of view does not add perspective. A companion only concerned with their own selves does not bring pleasure.
The best travel companions are those able to love, and to be loved.
And therefore, the best travel companion of all is Christ Jesus.
He is always with us… but sometimes it is easy to forget about Him when we travel. We might skip church while traveling because we are on vacation. But He does not take a vacation from us, and loving Him through worship even when vacationing makes a cord not easily broken.
We might diminish our devotional habits while traveling because we are on vacation. Usually we are so very busy, and SOMETHING has to give way. But the increased activity while we travel is exactly the reason that we need that conversation with Christ Jesus… reading His Word and praying. And this provides perspective, protection, and pleasure.
But our traveling is not merely vacationing. We travel through our entire lives… on our way back home. And Christ Jesus provides the love that makes traveling grand. (John 10:10)
Love is a necessary part of our travels.
Take the love God grants us.