Bliss

"Anyone who imagines that bliss is normal is going to waste a lot of time running around and shouting that he has been robbed. The fact of the matter 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, 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."

-President Gordon B. Hinckley

This past summer season has been different than I ever expected it would be. Things I never imagined would be a part of my life have been exploding everywhere. (Or so it seems.) But the thing I'm discovering now is that I have a choice in how I deal with events of life. I'm working on it. I think I've actually wasted a fair amount of time in my life running around shouting . In all reality, I know I haven't been robbed. In fact, quite the contrary. There are hard times, and there are good times. This not the first time I've read these words, but it's invigorating to me to hear them every time. A reminder that life is a kind of work for everyone, not just a select few. "The trick is..." that's the kicker. To thank the Lord for letting me have every part of the ride. Soak in every second of bliss, for it is not normal; not in this life, anyway. :) But there are moments; there is beauty and there are miracles. But we usually see and experience them after the work.

“We must live the gospel in such a way that we will have the Spirit to ever be with us. If we live worthily, the Spirit will always be with us. We can then teach by the Spirit. … The reason we pray, study the scriptures, have good friends, and live the gospel through obedience to the commandments is so that when—not if, but when—the trials come, we are ready” -Robert D. Hales

The point is to work and keep going and keep being grateful every step of the way, no matter what. The beautiful vistas are there. Things are looking up. But only because of the work involved when they're "looking down." If you will. Prayer, the scriptures, and incredibly good friends have been my strongholds when, if I had been left to myself, I might have crumbled. Heavenly Father looks out for us; I know He does. I'm determined to show Him I know He's there watching over me. I owe everything to Him, and to the help He gives me every day. And that includes the people He gives me. (You know who you are.) I wouldn't call this period of my life as one full of bliss...but I would say without a moment's hesitation that it has been one of blessings. That means I can keep going toward the moments of bliss I know are up ahead there somewhere.

Eh. I'd apologize for this post turning into something we'd talk about on Sunday, but...I'm not sorry. :)

Time keeps running away from me lately, and my internet at home has been out for days and days now. As soon as that comes back up, I have loads of pictures and stories. But until then...try not to keel over because I actually posted. :)