Enjoy the Ride

I apologize for a bit of a personal aside, but, this was a big week for our family.  Our daughter, Emma, graduated from High School.  She is our oldest and this will mark the start of a string of such occasions in our family in the coming years.  It has certainly been a time of reflection.  I have reflected on how many great moments there have been.  Emma is an amazing person and has done so many remarkable things in her short 18 years.  I have also lamented missed opportunities or things I wished I had done better as a father.  In a life filled with so many ups, it is funny how easy it is to focus on the areas where we don’t quite think we measure up.  I have many friends, and because of the nature of what I do, many clients, who are struggling with challenging circumstances.  Life is fragile and it can be a contact sport.  Sometimes it is difficult not to become discouraged.So in honor of Emma’s graduation, I thought I would share a quote that I we have posted in our home.  It is Gordon B. Hinckley quoting the columnist Jenkin Loyd Jones:“Anyone who imagines that bliss is normal is going to waste a lot of time running around shouting that he’s been robbed. The fact is that most putts don’t drop. Most beef is tough. Most children grow up to be just ordinary 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.”So, whatever the challenges you are facing in your life, take time to notice the great things as well and remember to enjoy the journey.  Way to go Emma and Thanks!