Road Trip, Anyone?

Sister Christine Masters  Upper Country News-Reporter  Cambridge, Idaho  August 2014

Summer is here!  A hopeful, adventurous spirit fills the air!

Who thinks of summer and does not consider a relaxing, fun vacation?  Often, our hopeful spirit leads us to choose the ever popular, all American road trip.

At this point, hope really kicks in.  We hope to find the perfect destination.  We hope the car runs well and the motels are clean and economical.  And, most importantly, we hope to make amazing memories!

Our mind set is positive, but we know planning and preparation are essential to our inner peace and confidence.  So, into the car go the tools, emergency water, snacks, extra blankets, books, games, and the like!

In the road trip of life, hope focuses on Our Father in Heaven and on His Son, Our Savior Jesus Christ.

We demonstrate our trust by loving and glorifying God, by serving our neighbors, and by keeping all the commandments.  We plan our lives according to God’s will and we prepare ourselves to emulate His attributes through prayer and studying His word.  “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.”  Romans 15:4

Hope is the opposite of despair and gives us the strength to rise beyond our natural capabilities.  It is an anchor to our souls that bids us embrace a blessed assurance, a peaceful heart, and an optimistic vision even when we are stricken with tragedy. 

How is such an attitude of hope possible?  Because we know that our road trip in life leads us to our ultimate destiny, the joy of eternal life.

“Blessed be the God and Father of Our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abundant mercy hath begotten us again into a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”  1 Peter 1:3