52 Blessings

Week 4:  President Hinckley

"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." 

On one of our first dates (do you remember sitting there at Freestone Park?), Jim told me this was his favorite quote by President Hinckley.  It's something I've always remembered and loved for its down-to-earth truth.  

It's not often that someone you haven't met in person impacts your life so personally.  Yet I'm sure there are millions who could claim that with Gordon B. Hinckley.  His testimony, his optimism, his humor, his example, have each profoundly changed my life.   When I heard of his passing this evening my first inclination was to kneel in prayer of Gratitude.  His influence has been one of those "beautiful vistas" that I will not forget.  

"knighting" President Eyring in jest at October's conference

Comments

[Kelly]

This made me teary all over again. Beautiful thoughts, Amy. I love those pictures and that quote is one of my favorites, too.

[Megan T]

Perfect. My thoughts, and I am sure many peoples thoughts, exactly.

[Tiffany]

Oh, Amy. Thank you so much! So many things to love!

[Marie]

Such a wonderful man. So many lives touched.

[Annalisa]

Beautiful. I love the quote. I want to post about this, but I'm not sure how to put into words all that he means to me.

[April]

I will join everyone else in saying a resounding "Amen" to the absolute beauty of humor and truth of President Hinckley's quote. A beautiful post...said everything I wanted to.

[Jaime]

You trying to make me cry two times today??? He was an awesome man and the love he showed for his wife was the sweetest thing I have ever seen!

[Katie]

It takes an incredible person to affect so many so deeply. What a great thing to remember and be thankful for. I love the quote!

[Aprilyn]

Pres. Hinckley touched my life too. What a wonderful man he was! How happy he must be to be in heaven now with his beloved wife. I know he was lonely but it didn't stop him from doing the Lord's work! I love the picture of him knighting Pres. Eyring. It's great!

[Megan]

Love the quote, love the man, he will be missed.

[Rachel]

It's the first time I've heard that quote and I LOVED it. I can't believe he is really gone and am heartbroken for my own selfish reasons, but know he is probably overjoyed to finally get his rest.

[Michelle]

Love the quote. This sweet man will be missed by so many.

[carlo]

oh amy. hugs to you. thank you for sharing the quote and that smiling picture! i recognize it from so many blogs...

i love to hear what all of you have to say about Pres Hinckly. He was loved by many, wasn't he?

[Mandi]

I just love President Hinckley and I love that quote.

[Elizabeth]

I had never seen that photo. So him. Thanks for reminding me of that wonderful qoute.

[Barb]

I really love that quote, too. My inlaws have it up on their fridge. And I loved his sense of humor, like knighting President Eyring

[jenny c.]

Loved your thoughts :)