Quoting and Thinking

"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." - Jenkins Lloyd Jones

I've liked this quote for a long time. President Hinckley cited it often too. He had good reasons to. I especially appreciate the part about the occasional beautiful vistas and thrilling bursts of speed. As our time here in the Northwest winds down, I feel so grateful to have had more than our fair share of beautiful vistas and thrilling bursts of speed. It has been one spectacular ride.

We have all learned a lot. My Miss M learned to walk here. Heck, she's mastered running too. My Mr. A learned about making friends on the playground with perfect strangers. He also learned about family and about being grateful for his family. He learned about boundaries and listening. Miss M learned about teeth breaking through (those darn molars!) and the first steps in the communication process - grunting and pointing. The two of them learned how much fun they can have together. They learned how to laugh at each other and with each other.

I learned that when life slows down around me, I can easily slow down too. I can even still get stuff done! I learned that family is a whole lot of fun to have 2 miles away. I was reminded that there are great people all over the country. I learned that my DH's happiness is contagious. I even learned about the kindness of Seattle strangers when we paid face value for every "Wicked" ticket I scapled on the corner 30 minutes before the performance (all 4 of them - can you believe that? - never in NYC). I learned that my priorities in life are pretty much right on.

10 more days of this great rail journey. And we truly do thank the Lord for the ride. He knew what we needed and when we needed it. He's pretty good like that! :)