What is the title of my blog? It may not be easy but it sure is worth it? Today is one of those days when I'm not sure it is worth it. Cheetos & chocolate have been my best friends today and they are not good company to keep.
When I was at the store yesterday one of my favorite cashiers was telling me about a little girl who was in the store earlier that day who was crying. She had been crying all morning and told her mom she just couldn't stop crying. We had a good laugh because we could both relate to that feeling. Haven't we all felt that way at one time or another from stress, lack of sleep, hormones, or a trial we may be dealing with.
I love this quote from President Hinckley:
"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 like 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." — Gordon B. Hinckley
I don't think I've been thankful for the ride lately. I've been much more focused on the delays, sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders and jolts.
I found a great page of quote by President Hinckley. Here are a few more of the ones that touched me:
"Stop seeking out the storms and enjoy more fully the sunlight."
"In all of living, have much fun and laughter. Life is to be enjoyed, not just endured."
"You can be smart and happy or stupid and miserable. . . it's your choice"
"I feel to invite women everywhere to rise to the great potential within you. I do not ask that you reach beyond your capacity. I hope you will not nag yourselves with thoughts of failure. I hope you will not try to set goals far beyond your capacity to achieve. I hope you will simply do what you can do in the best way you know. If you do so, you will witness miracles come to pass."
"Where there is gratitude, there is humility, as opposed to pride."
In an attempt to be more humble and grateful and pull myself out of my self imposed funk here's my attempt at being thankful for what I have:
I'm grateful to have 5 healthy children.
I'm grateful to have a big house to live in. It means a lot of mess at times but at least we have a place for everything (now if only we could have everything in it's place).
I'm grateful to have a husband who works hard to provide for our family and loves me despite my faults.
I'm grateful to have been raised by an amazing mother (who I miss terribly on days like today). I'm grateful for the knowlege that I will see again.
I'm grateful to have the most kind, generous, loving man for a father.
I'm grateful to live in a safe place with good schools within walking distance and good friends and neighbors.
I'm grateful Bryce is no longer getting frequent migraines and for the joy he brings to me through his fun loving nature.
I'm grateful Brett has become such a studious, responsible student who works so hard to get good grades.
I'm grateful Kimberly has blessed our home with her sweet spirit and concern for others.
I'm grateful Bradley is such an easy going, happy go lucky kid who is so fun to listen to.
I'm grateful for Kylie and her always on the go, keep me on my toes personality that makes me smile everyday.
So time to do as President Hinckley said and forget myself and go to work. I've got a zillion things on my to do list and perhaps I should go eat something healthy since those darn Cheetos and chocolate are the only things I've eaten today. Perhaps today can just be chalked up to a case of overwhelmed, overtired, stressed out PMS. From my favorite children's book Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good Very Bad Day...Some days are like that. Even in Australia.
Tomorrow is another day (can you name the movie?)... But since I can't crawl back into bed until tomorrow I'm off to do dishes and laundry today.
Dear Life,
