It was His timing.

Some would say it was an ill-timed vacation, but I don't believe that. I believe it was God's timing, and His timing is always perfect. Even though I may not know the reason for timing it that way, I do "know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."

We arrived in San Diego three days before the wildfires broke out. What began as a time of sight-seeing and relaxing became a time of stress and uncertainty. We were among the first of many whose areas came under mandatory evacuation. This actually was a blessing, the favour of God upon us, because we were able to secure a hotel room at a very reduced rate. By the next morning, all the hotels in San Diego were booked solid and there were no more rooms to be found. Thousands were forced to seek refuge in emergency shelters. We were comfortable in a hotel room.

All the local TV stations suspended regular programming for three days, and we, along with half a million others who were displaced, stayed tuned for word on the status of the fires and when/if we would be allowed to return to where we were staying originally. We finally were able to return the day before we flew home.

At times, I wondered if there was something wrong with me. I felt removed somehow from my emotions, somewhat unfeeling in the midst of this trauma. Then without warning, the tears would come as I thought about the many, many people who would never return to their homes. They had lost everything and my heart hurt for them. The place we were staying in was untouched by the fire, and we could go home. But many would not.

Several of the major attractions were closed, major roadways were closed, the smoke was thick and the air quality was very poor. But we chose to keep a positive attitude and make the best of our time there. We may not have been able to do all the things we wanted to do and see all the scenery we were hoping to see, but we did have a good time anyway. Attitude makes the difference!