By Pastor Mark Hopper

Pastor Mark Hopper

When my brother and I were growing up in Arizona, our parents would usually go on vacation in August and drive to San Diego to get out of the hot summer weather in Phoenix.

When my wife and I were raising our own young family in Tucson, we did the same thing.  We would take our kids to San Diego to get away from the hot weather in Arizona.

When my wife’s parents retired, they followed the same pattern.  They would drive from Phoenix to San Diego to get away from the hot summer weather in Arizona.

Maybe this is why I think that San Diego is one of the most beautiful places in the country. We loved going to the beach and Balboa Park.  Sometimes we were able to afford a trip to Sea World or even drive up to Disneyland for a day.

We have so many fond memories of our road trips to San Diego and all the fun we had there with our families.  However, my memories of getting to San Diego are another story.

When my brother and I were young, my parents drove a 1950s Nash Rambler – with no air conditioning – across the desert to San Diego.  It was a long, hot, sweaty drive!

When our own kids were young, they would complain about how hot and long the drive to San Diego was.  There is not much to see along the way.  They would get tired and bored and complain.  The familiar questions were, “How much longer” and “Are we there yet”?

Recently I read a verse in the Bible that reminded me of those road trips from Arizona to San Diego.  In Genesis 45:24, when Joseph sent his brothers back from Egypt to their father in Canaan, he told them, “Do not quarrel on your way.”

Remember, Joseph’s brothers had sold him into slavery.  Years later they were amazed to discover that not only was Joseph alive, but he was a high ranking official in the land of Egypt. He forgave them and provided them with food and supplies for their families back in Canaan.

I know there are times when we all find ourselves quarreling or complaining about our circumstances.  We lose sight of the goal of getting to beautiful “San Diego.”  We quarrel with others who are taking up too much space in the car.

As you begin to make plans for your summer vacation, remember to be grateful and not grumble.  Be thankful that you can enjoy time together and don’t complain and quarrel.  Make some lasting memories and cherish your time with family and loved ones!

Pastor Mark Hopper is from the Evangelical Free Church of Diamond Bar, 3255 South Diamond Bar Ave. Sunday services are 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. For more information, call (909) 594-7604 or visit http://www.efreedb.org.