(Photo by Selma Komisky)

Editor’s Note: August, 2021

By Sarah Komisky

Growing up, my cousins and I used to pack ourselves in my aunt’s minivan and head aboard an unplanned destination. After what seems likes a few hours passing barren landscapes (translated at 7-years-old to Palm Springs), the unknown was all too much to take for my little cousin who was just a toddler. Now and then, he let out an unabashed, slow moan, “let me ooooouuuuutttttt!”

Today, we laugh about it, but isn’t that a metaphor for life? We all want to know where our destination is. Where exactly are we going and how do we ultimately get there is up to us to sort out.

Not having a sense of direction makes “just enjoy the road” an anxiety-provoking cliché when there is no clear true north. With no compass, there is much to wonder about and left open-ended. Ultimately, we miss the purpose that revolves around the means to the end – where am I going and why does it matter?

For one, when we travel, we want to know the destination. We plan ahead. We book flights, look up hotels on Expedia, check our points of rewards, brush up on the hot-spot places to dine out, or make a list of the must-have places to see. We shop for supplies, download as many episodes as you can of your favorite shows for adventures on the road, and make sure you notify your job of that precious vacation time. What every expert traveler knows is that your trip is what your make of it. And, the preparation in advance is what makes the destination worthwhile.

Culture also speaks to the obstacles and meltdowns that can occur when you don’t prepare in advance. These “travel gone wrong” comedies such as “National Lampoons Vacation,” “Are We There Yet?,” “Home Alone,” “RV,” and “Diary of a Wimpy Kid:The Long Haul,” speak to this. We laugh, but in reality, not being prepared for the future, especially when it comes to your eternal destination is something we don’t want to “find out as we go.” In fact, not only is it not effective, it’s devastating when we end up where we never intended to be.

Therefore, if we take care and intentionality in making travel plans, how much more important is it for us to plan for our eternal destination?.

If you have never thought about your ultimate destination, have questions about it, or are experiencing anxieties or doubts about not knowing where you are going, I invite you to join our conversation this month at Marked Ministry’s Destination Issue. In this issue, we are having an honest dialogue about what you might have heard about the afterlife. We will explore what the Bible has to say about destinations like heaven and hell. And, we will even debunk some common misconceptions or questions people have on the topic of life after death, heaven, God, and eternity. As a special insight, we will also be joined by our MM friend, Kevin Malone, Former Executive VP/General Manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Co-Founder/CEO of the United States Institute Against Human Trafficking. He will be sharing his inspirational account of his son’s near-death experience from his recent documentary, “The Shawn Miracle” out now at shawnmiracle.com.

With this travel prep, I also want to invite those who are of faith to check out our articles as well in order to challenge you to live for eternity in the here in now! We want to show you how to live heaven-minded to make the most of your time here on earth. Additionally, want to address common fears, doubts, and misunderstandings Christians have when it comes to heaven and hell to prepare you for the journey ahead.

So, before you say, “let me oooouuuutttt” of a state of confusion, apprehension, and unknowing concerning your eternal destination, we want to take you on tour and share with you what we have come to believe is the ultimate, amazing destination you could ever go to heaven.

Sojourner, let’s pack well, do our research ahead, and live this life in light of eternity. May our conversations bring peace to a very troubling and pausable, uncertain topic, so you can plan for your life after this. And, may this issue cause you to consider your eternal destination and book your flight accordingly, in advance.

Welcome to the Destination Issue.

Sarah