By Mark Kelly, senior pastor, City Church, Leeds

I'VE recently been on holiday to the wonderful seaside town of Whitby, within the boundaries of God's own county of Yorkshire!

As well as Whitby itself what I also appreciated was the 45-minute journey across the North York Moors. As we were travelling across them towards our holiday destination it got me thinking about a question that I'd posted on Facebook a number of months ago: which is more important – the journey or the destination?

The answers I received varied between destination and journey, with journey probably edging it. However a surprising answer that came through just as popular was, both.

The North York Moors are amazing. There is something mesmerising about the ebb and flow of the landscape. The way the heather-strewn vista gives way to deep valleys and gorges, and the ancient woodland to be found around there is simply breathtaking.

Depending on the weather, rain or shine, day or night, the moors reflect a different story depending on what your imagination can conjure up as you travel.

As you can gather I appreciate the journey.

But I also desire to reach the destination.

Whitby holds so many happy memories for me. As a child my grandparents would organise a wider family holiday – cousins, aunties, uncles etc – in which we would take over an entire bed & breakfast for a whole week.

I love the fact that one of our greatest Yorkshiremen (James Cook) sailed from here and went on to discover the east coast of Australia amongst other places.

I love the Christian history also. The significance of the Synod of Whitby, which gathered at St Hilda's monastery (now known as Whitby Abbey), cannot be overlooked.

The destination and the journey. Both equally important.

As you journey through life I hope you encounter Jesus Christ and life in His name, and reach a heavenly destination.