The Ride

"Anyone who imagines that bliss is normal is going to waste a lot of time running around shouting that he has been robbed. The fact is most putts don’t drop. Most beef is tough. Most children grow up to be just people. Most successful marriages require a high degree of mutual toleration. Most jobs are more often dull than otherwise. … Life is like an old-time rail journey—delays, sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling bursts of speed. The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride”

- Gordon B. Hinckley

I inherited a tendency towards nostalgic thinking from my father and therefore I like to reminisce a lot.  Today was one of those days when my head was flooded with memories of the past, and as I thought of all the many wonderful experiences I've had in life my mind wandered to the above quote. 

My life isn't always as perfect and sugar coated and rosy as it may appear in photographs and edited blog entries and Instagram posts. Usually days are filled with work and worry and dirty kitchen sinks and piles of laundry to do. More often than not I'm bored of my job and sometimes Nathan and I disagree with each other. But at the same time I've never felt so full or happy or satisfied with my life as I have been today. I think of the abundant scenes of beauty and friendship and adventure and love that I have experienced sandwiched in between the day to day hum drums of my existence. And I am so grateful for the simple fact that I've been fortunate enough to live - truly live. To be here on this earth and experience every aspect of mortality, the good and the bad. 

And even though it hasn't been picture perfect, it's been just right for me, so thank you Lord for allowing me 'the ride'.