Today in Sacrament Meeting a brother quoted Carlfred Broderick (a favorite of mine) about the challenges of life.  It reminded me of a quote from President Hinckley.  I had to search, but I felt like it was something I wanted to share.

President Hinckley used a similar analogy when he cited a newspaper article written by Jenkins Lloyd Jones:  “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 children grow up to be just people.  Most successful marriages require a high degree of mutual toleration…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.” (Big Rock Candy Mountains,” Dereret News, 12 June 1973, A4 as quoted in Ensign, March ’97, p. 60).  

I hope our kids who have a variety of struggles can take this to heart--instead of focusing on the sidetracks, smoke, dust and cinders--notice the occasional beautiful vistas and be thankful for the ride. 

We have recently done the rounds with doctors' appointments--dermatologist, dentist and podiatrist (that one was only for me).  Spencer sees an ENT in about 10 days.  I think we must be getting old.  Maladies keep cropping up--but we just keep on going anyway.  I won't bore you with all of our complaints, but just know that we appreciate your prayers for us.

Love,

Jeanine