7th May 2025

“It’s not the destination, it’s the journey” is a quote famously attributed to Ralph Waldo Emerson. Long before he coined it, Christians have been using “the journey” as a metaphor for life, our “walk with God”.

Tina and I took a literal journey last week, to Coventry Cathedral by train. I was excited about the destination; I had never been and I was not disappointed. It was an awesome set of buildings with the whole speaking so much about the majesty of God and the humility and sacrifice of Jesus.

But the journey really was the thing. Before we had even got to Sea Mills station we had discussed the cause and nature of tides with a man who was sitting by the river, and had our photo taken by Abraham who cheerfully told us that his portrait of us should be “printed big” and framed! We passed time on the platform reminiscing about pre-Beeching Bristol with an old boy who remembered it.

On the train we first met a couple who were on their way to Brussels to (amongst other things) sing a specially composed physics song on the Solvay Steps where that famous photo was taken.

We changed trains to meet an American couple who were going to the places their guide book told them to visit (they were between Bath and Stratford-upon-Avon) but were also determined to learn about Britain’s industrial past and were going to spend time in Birmingham.

We encountered many cheerful and helpful railway staff and friendly bar staff at lunchtime. (Note for visitors, Coventry Cathedral does not have a café but there is a lovely pub two minutes’ walk from the door.)

There was so much to reflect on and be thankful for when we finally got to that magnificent house of prayer.

Nick Parsons