3.26.2008

Enjoy 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 that 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, and most jobs are more often dull than otherwise. Life is just 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." [Jenkins Lloyd Jones]

This quote is often mistakenly attributed to Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley [who quoted it] but actually came originally from a man named Jenkins Lloyd Jones. He was born in Wales in 1843, brought to the United States by his parents in 1844 and raised on a pioneer farm in Wisconsin. He became a Unitarian minister, and in 1882, began missionary work on the south side of Chicago, organizing All Souls Church, of which he remained pastor until his death.

I love this message. Life is hard. Life gets boring. Life requires work. Life wears you out. But life is wonderful, isn't it? Some of it is completely, utterly wonderful. Some of it is way too exciting! But as we work our way through it all, the trick, as Jones says, is to enjoy the ride. After all, men are that they might have joy, right? [2 Nephi 2:25]

I am loving my ride today -- despite the fact that it's laundry day for me. Are you enjoying yours?

15 comments:

Christina said...

That's a favorite quote of mine too, Jan. I am enjoying my ride today!

Ashley said...

Thanks for sharing that quote. It was new to me. I need little reminders like that every once in awhile. Life is meant to be enjoyed!

Jori said...

That is SO good to know. I always thought President Hinkley said that. It is definitely one of my favorite quotes.

Mel said...

I love that quote. Thanks a ton for sharing.

Darleen said...

I love, love this quote! So, great and so true.

Unknown said...

i'm enjoying mine! it's okay if i take a nap on the ride, right?! :)

Mia said...

You always share the most beautiful thoughts. I also needed the reminder that life is beautiful, even when it is hard. You are amazing Jan!

jaacs said...

Oooo...I like that quote. I love quotes...especially ones that get you to thinking(like this one) or just help you get back to what is important. Thanks for sharing that!

And congrats to your family on the good news!! Sorry I'm late. I havent been the best at getting online lately. November is the month with the least amount of birthdays (or, at least I read that somewhere once upon a time)...so I always think it is fun when there is a NOvember birthday.

Emily John said...

Ain't that the truth. Your always so insightful!

hoLLy said...

i've enjoyed mine-today was cali's first birthday. she made a mess with the cake. it was fun to watch! (yet sad, because my baby is growing too too fast!) :(

. . . . . . . . . said...

Amen. 'Nuff said.

Me, Myself, and I said...

Thanks for the reminder. I'll make sure to find a window seat :)

Nat Lud said...

Very nice quote. It is so very true. Life isn't always bliss--but then we sure appreciate when those blissful moments peek in. What a great thought for today--it's my laundry day too! :)

Natalie Scott said...

I ADORE this quote! I think I'll have to use it on my blog. It is the TRUTH.

Every day is laundry day around here...but I, too, had a fabulous day!

Hacking it up said...

I love that quote! I have it on my fridge...but i didn't know that it wasn't originally one of Pres. Hinckley's..thanks for sharing!!